Statement from South African Mint and Mint Directors Conference on the Coronavirus Outbreak

Cape Town, South Africa – 3 March 2020

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in China, as well as latest developments in Asia, Europe and USA and recent cases in Africa (Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal), remain a source of concern. The epidemic has had an adverse impact on business and travel across the globe.

The South African Mint, as host of the 31st Mint Directors Conference remains on high alert. South Africa, through The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, continues to monitor coronavirus developments globally. The NICD has intensified screening at all ports of entry into the country, with particular focus at major airports.

To date, the NICD has confirmed that there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa, and the institute continues to test for possible cases. 133 people have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes COVID-19) of whom 89 met the case definition for persons under investigation (PUI) as of 28 February

As a further precaution, the Westin Hotel, which is the venue for the MDC conference, has implemented hygiene measures to mitigate against the risks associated with the communicable virus.

It must be noted that, at present, there are no plans to change the dates of the MDC conference – planned for 26 to 29 April 2020.

The South African Mint and Reconnaissance, the event organiser, are keeping the situation under close review and will provide regularly updates on the website should the situation change.

In the spirit of Ubuntu – we look forward to welcoming you to South Africa.

Honey Mamabolo, South African Mint    

Ross MacDiarmid, Mint Directors Conference

http://www.nicd.ac.za/covid-19-update-10/