President Ramaphosa: Schools to be closed from Wednesday

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a raft of measures to protect the country from the spread of the deadly Coronavirus on Sunday, 15 March 2020, Northglen News reports.

In his speech to the nation on Sunday night, Ramaphosa said the fight against the coronavirus had escalated with the number of confirmed cases in the country standing at 61.

“Schools will be closed from Wednesday until after Easter Holidays. In turn, the mid-year holidays will be shortened,” he said in his address to the nation.

“We are imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China as from 18 March 2020. Any foreign nationals who have been to the said destinations will be denied entry.

President #Ramaphosa: Effective immediately, South African citizens are advised to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries such as China, Iran and South Korea.
 #CoronaVirusSA

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) March 15, 2020

“Travelers from medium risk countries will undergo an intensive screening process. All travellers who have entered South Africa from high-risk countries since mid-February will be required to present themselves for testing. We will strengthen surveillance, screening and testing measures at OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports,” he said.

In a special Cabinet meeting held on Sunday, a decision was taken to prohibit the gathering of more than 100 people.

“Upcoming national days have been cancelled. Where small gatherings are unavoidable, organisers will need to put in place stringent measures of prevention and control.”

The President conceded that the virus will hurt the country’s economy and affects businesses and job creation.