Western Cape Government Health is closely monitoring the developments of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) regularly issues updates on the situation. No cases of the Coronavirus have been reported in South Africa or on the African continent.
Together with the National Department of Health, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has developed and distributed clinical guidelines and case definitions for doctors and nurses in both the public and the private sectors to better detect, identify and respond to a possible 2019-nCoV case.
Surveillance systems are in place to rapidly identify and detect any cases in South Africa. This includes the screening and monitoring of anyone with a relevant travel history and close contacts with the area of the outbreak. Western Cape Government Health is prepared and ready to act if necessary.
Maret Lesch
Communications
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 021 483 5454
Email: Maret.Lesch@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za