The National Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, announced that there has been the first laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, in the Western Cape.

This follows official confirmation of a positive test from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, dated 11 March 2020.

The patient is a 36-year-old male in the City of Cape Town. He presented himself to a private healthcare facility with flu-like symptoms and a recent travel history to Europe.

As per set procedures, medical professionals ensured that the person was kept in isolation for the last 48 hours (since 9 March 2020) until the laboratory tests could be confirmed.

The Outbreak Response team has been activated with health authorities (including the City of Cape Town), in association with NICD, and the team is following up all the known contacts of this patient.

Premier Alan Winde says every resident of the Western Cape has a role to play in limiting the spread of the Coronavirus.

“Firstly, it is important that we stay calm and follow the direction of the NICD, regarding testing and, if necessary, isolation. They are following international best-practise and have you, and your fellow residents, best interest at heart.

Secondly, if you have flu-like symptom and have travelled internationally or have been in contact with someone who has travelled internationally, you should call the dedicated Coronavrius Hotline, operated by the NICD, on 0800 029 999.

Thirdly, we can help protect ourselves and our families, by practising good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the corner of your arm. More information on basic good hygiene practises can be found on our dedicated webpage: www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus.

Lastly, please don’t spread fake news. We really need to verify all information first. Spreading panic will only make responding more difficult.

It is important to highlight that in the majority cases the virus presents mildly and there is a significantly high recovery rate.”