Limpopo welcomes South Africans from Wuhan

By: Emmaculate Cindi

More than 122 South Africans that have been based in Wuhan were safely evacuated to Polokwane in Limpopo province. South African Airways aircraft flight number A340-600 landed at Gateway International Airport in Polokwane at around 10:30 carrying South African Defence Force personnel, volunteers and South African citizens that were based in Wuhan, China since the outbreak of Coronavirus.

The partnership between National Department of Health led by Minister in the National Department of Health Dr Zwewli Mkhezi, SANDF and the Limpopo Provincial government saw a successful repatriation of South African citizens. The repatriated will be quarantined at The Ranch Hotel about 30 km outside Polokwane town for 21 days.

During the quarantine phase, no person is allowed to come close to the facility including senior government officials.  The premises will be secured by members of SANDF as a measure to minimize contact with the group.

The Minister of Health, Dr Mkhize has assured the nation that none of the group members have tested positive for the virus, however they will be taken care of by well trained medical personnel who will be based at the hotel.

On arrival at the Polokwane airport, the group was tested by SANDF members wearing protective clothing with face masks before being taken to the Ranch hotel in four buses. The buses seats were visibly covered in plastic as a measure to ensure that the virus does not spread.

Although the group have landed safe and all tested negative on arrival, they will not be allowed to have any contact with family and friends until they have been tested negative after 21 days.

During the quarantine period, should any of the group members develop virus symptoms, they will be taken to one of the facilities identified by national government for treatment and observation.

"We are going to manage the quarantine period by ensuring that there is a minimal contact to the group. Families will be put together and individuals will be in separate rooms. Should it mean that they go to the dining hall to get food at different times we will do that"  Dr Mkhize

On their way to the quarantine area, Polokwane residents showed some love to the group as many were seen along the airport exit towards the N1 up to the Shell Garages on the R101 road where members of the public were allowed to cheer the group as busses passed along the road.

Government has urged citizens to wash their hands more frequently to prevent the spread of the disease and more public gatherings have been postponed. Citizens are also encouraged to visit any health facilities if they develop symptoms associated with Coronavirus.