Coronavirus: 114 repatriated South Africans return to families

ZTN Correspondent

The 114 South Africans repatriated from Wuhan, China in early March will return to their families after testing negative for Coronavirus.

The group spent the past 14 days quarantined at The Ranch resort near Polokwane, a city north-east of the capital, Tshwane.

President Cyril Ramaphosa bade them farewell on Sunday, saying, “I have spent sleepless nights over you. So, I am happy to see you; healthy and alive. . .beautiful as you are.

“We are delighted that you are back home; we are also delighted that you are Coronavirus-free.”

On Saturday, South Africa’s Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told journalists: “We had assured all South Africans that these citizens were all negative. They did not present any symptoms and, therefore, did not pose any risk of infection.

“However, we took extra precautions and quarantined them for a 14-day period. On arrival, medical screening and Covid-19 tests were conducted. They all came out negative.”

He added, “We are very pleased to report to South Africans that these citizens conducted their second test in preparation for their exit. These have all come out negative.”