China’s envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Guo Shaochun, held a press briefing on Tuesday where he told reporters that Beijing had implemented numerous measures to combat the spread of the deadly virus to other countries. 

“We have requested Chinese nationals coming to Zimbabwe to cooperate with quarantine measures at Zimbabwean ports of entry and issued four consular notices to provide recommendations for epidemic prevention. We have called on the local Chinese communities and Chinese businesses and institutions to remind their members and employees who have returned to China for holidays to raise the awareness of prevention,” Ambassador Guo was quoted by The Herald online. 

“Those who have returned to the most affected regions in China, such as Hubei Province, are advised to hold off coming back to Zimbabwe until the situation eases, to reduce the risk of bringing the virus to Zimbabwe.  Those who have returned to Zimbabwe from the worst-hit areas in China are requested to undergo a self-quarantine of two weeks at home, not to go to public places, offices or any gatherings.” 

There are numerous Chinese and Zimbabwean business people travelling regularly between Harare and Beijing. Thousands of Zimbabwean students also live and study at numerous Chinese institutions. 

In South Africa, the embassy in Pretoria has been holding regular press briefings and issuing statements on the coronavirus outbreak. 

On Monday, China’s Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian told reporters that he was confident about local professionals’ competency to deal with a potential coronavirus outbreak. 

"I'm very proud to tell you that South Africa is, comprehensively speaking, the best in Africa, you're the best of the developing countries,” Ambassador Lin was quoted by EyeWitness News. 

There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection on the African continent but countries across the continent are announcing measures to gear up their health systems to keep out the epidemic in China – Africa’s biggest trading partner.

African News Agency