© Getty The day has been coming, and just moments before a Parliamentary debate on coronavirus kicked-off, the Health Department confirmed that coronavirus has officially arrived in South Africa. A patient was tested for the disease this week, and became the first COVID-19-positive person on our shores.

Of course, we’re not in the business of naming names. To all intents and purposes, this particular case is well under control and was detected relatively-early. But the circumstances leading to this diagnosis remain in the public interest, and this is probably the most we can reveal about the patient.

Patient zero: What you need to know about SA’s first coronavirus case

Basic information

  • Age: 38 years old
  • Gender: Male
  • Location: KwaZulu-Natal
  • Status: Currently self-isolated, and has been since 3 March

How the disease was contracted

The patient arrived home from Italy on 1 March. Travelling in a group of 10 people, he was able to pass through airport security without being screened for coronavirus. He was in the northern region of Italy during his trip, where one of the biggest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China has taken place.

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Exposed to a high-risk of disease, the victim was unable to avoid contracting the illness.

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How the patient was identified

Two days after landing in Italy, the patient went to his GP. He had a fever, prolonged headaches and issues with his throat. The doctor tested him for coronavirus and immediately sent the swab tests to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD). He has been in self-isolation since Tuesday, and on Thursday, the results came back positive. “Patient zero” is still at home, we understand.

Is anyone in danger of catching coronavirus in SA?

It’s possible that, in the two days between returning from Italy and going to the doctor, there had been several interactions with people. Passing through an airport with the disease means that there’s a chance the illness could spread. However, this is by no means a reason to panic. Coronavirus is not an instant death sentence, and a large majority of people who contract the disease make a full and immediate recovery.

What happens next?

It’s decision time. The government must confirm if the patient can continue self-isolation, or if they should spend a period of time in quarantine. We’re awaiting a response on that as we speak. Meanwhile, a “tracer team” has been deployed to find everyone who may have been in contact with the sickly traveller.

Already, the doctor who has treated “patient zero” is in self-isolation. We are going to be briefed fully by Zweli Mkhize after he’s done in Parliament, and expect a press conference at some point after 16:00.

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Follow the Health Department’s latest updates on the Coronavirus (Covid-19), including the NICD’s prevention methods. Travellers from Covid-19 affected areas are advised to stay at home for up to 14 days. If you develop any symptoms contact your doctor or clinic, they will advise your next steps. For more information visit the National Institute for Communicable Diseases website.

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