President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed the repatriation of South African citizens from Wuhan city in Hubei province, China, following requests for assistance from families in the city, the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.
 
"Cabinet has decided on this course of action after due consideration of the circumstances, and following several requests from the families of South Africans in the city," the statement said.
 
About 199 South African citizens are in Wuhan, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said and about 132 have asked to be repatriated, the statement said. 

"These compatriots are currently living under lock down conditions following the outbreak of the Coronavirus," the Presidency said. 

It also said that none of them had been diagnosed with or shown any symptoms of the virus.

The statement said that when they arrived in South Africa, they would be placed in quarantine for 21 days as an additional precautionary measure. 

"Government has been in constant communication with the families of all affected individuals and relevant departments have made the necessary arrangements to receive them.

"The departments of Health and Defence will deploy healthcare personnel and supporting staff to provide assistance during the repatriation and quarantine processes. 

"Dirco will deploy consular services personnel to provide consular assistance. Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will provide immigration services. Department of Social Development (DSD) will offer trauma counselling and support. 

"Further details in this regard will be communicated by the relevant line function ministries," the Presidency said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak of the virus, which set in motion coordination efforts worldwide, as well as the implementation of strict surveillance measures, as a public health emergency of international concern, the statement said. 

The Covid-19 virus (Coronavirus), was first reported in Wuhan, China in November 2019.

Ramaphosa has expressed solidarity with the people and government of China, while thanking the China as a whole for its assistance and support to South Africa in this period.

He has also commended China for and reiterated South Africa's confidence in that country's ability to control the outbreak of the virus, as evidenced by among others, the commendable progress made to date.