Ramaphosa on Covid-19 pandemic: Read the full speech

Fellow South Africans, I am addressing you this evening on a matter of great national importance. The world is facing a medical emergency far graver than what we have experienced in over a century.

As of now, South Africa has 61 confirmed cases of people infected with the virus, and this number is expected to rise in the coming days and weeks. Initially, it was people who had travelled out of the country, especially from Italy, who had positively tested for the virus. It is concerning that we are now dealing with internal transmission of the virus.

* We have cancelled visas to visitors from those countries from today and previously granted visas are hereby revoked. * South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing and self-isolation or quarantine on return to South Africa. * South Africa has 72 ports of entry in the country which are land, sea and air ports. Of the 53 land ports, 35 will be shut down with effect from Monday 16 March. 2 of the 8 sea ports will be closed for passengers and crew changes.

While we appreciate the economic, religious, and cultural significance of social and community gatherings, the coronavirus is spread through contact between persons. As we have said before, the current circumstances require extraordinary measures to curb the spread of infections. * Government is working closely with colleges, universities and other public facilities such as Parliament, prisons, police stations and military installations to intensify hygiene control. * Government is aware of the confirmed case of a student who has tested positive for the coronavirus at Wits University. Those who have been in contact with the student will be quarantined.

In essence, we are calling for a change of behaviour amongst all South Africans. We must minimise physical contact with other people, and, encourage the elbow greeting rather than shaking hands. My fellow South Africans, in addition to the impact that this pandemic will have on health and wellbeing of our people, and the impact it will have on the day-to-day life of our society, COVID-19 will also have a significant and potentially lasting impact on our economy.

This is a friggen nuisance Too bad for those who might die And the economy is terminal as it is

Mr President, for the first time, I am totally and completely gobsmacked by your address. Well done Sir, you made me proud. You took a strong stand to protect the people. Imagine how much we could achieve if you did this with all matters. All in all Sir welldonemrpresident

Where can we find a map of the coronavirus in south africa

With local transmissions. Why did the travel ban had to take this long.

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