The process to repatriate 122 South Africans living in Wuhan, China – the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak – was triggered on Tuesday night, setting in motion a series of phases to ensure they arrive in South Africa safely and healthy on Friday morning. GCIS acting director general Phumla Williams is quoted in News24 report as saying that passengers will be tested for COVID-19 continually. Williams said that the chartered plane, which left from OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday night, will stop over in the Philippines to refuel before proceeding to Wuhan.
"They will be processed through the normal immigration of China, so their records have got to be in line with the Chinese government," Williams said. "Thereafter they will be departing from Wuhan and we are expecting them in the early hours of the morning on the 13th." She added passengers will be tested before, during and after their flight.
She added the airport was also been prepped to receive them. "From there they will be taken to the venue where they will be quarantined for precautionary measures for a minimum of 14 days, but it can go on to 21 (days), but the minimum is 14 days," Williams said. While in quarantine, they will not be able to physically interact with their families but may do so telephonically.
Williams said some South Africans opted to stay in China for various reasons and stressed that those coming are virus free.
The report says while the location of the quarantine area is still unknown, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize previously noted that it would meet the necessary health and security requirements.
[link url="https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/wuhan-repatriation-122-south-africans-will-be-continually-tested-for-covid-19-report-20200311"]Full News24 report[/link]