Ramaphosa closes schools, declares state of disaster

In wide-ranging steps to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, schools in South Africa will be closed from Wednesday, travel will be restricted and measures to protect university and college students will be announced soon, after consultations with vice-chancellors and university authorities.

**President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the nation on Sunday night. Photo: threestreamsmedia**

This was announced by Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday night when he decared a national state of disaster in a live address to the nation. He said, after an analysis of the progression of the Coronavirus, Cabinet decided on several measures to fight the disease.

These include closing several land border crossings, better hygiene controls, travel restrictions and steps to prevent social contact. Schools will be closed until after the Easter weekend.

He said to encourage social distancing, gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited. He further said Government is working with universities and other institutions to intensify hygiene measures to protect students.

NWU residences announced measures last night to protect students, including the provision of hand sanitiser and a ban on large gatherings in residences.

Ramaphosa said foreign nationals from Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China will be banned from visiting South Africa from 18 March. Visas will be cancelled. He advised South African citizens not to travel through or to any of these countries.

**Anxious students in Veritas Residence waiting for Ramaphosa’s address on the Coronavirus Sunday night.** **Photo: Rasaad Adams**

Ramaphosa addressed the nation after the number of confirmed cases in South Africa jumped sharply to 61 this weekend.

He said an extraordinary response to the Coronavirus crisis was required, with no half measures. He said he consulted with many stakeholders due to the drastic measures that he announced. These measures and emergency fiscal measures will help to reduce the impact of the virus on the economy and the country.

**Students in Oppirif Residence at NWU in Potchefstroom watched the president’s address on YouTube. They waited more than 90 minutes for the address to start. Photo: Buhle Mbijekana**

There are now more than 156 000 cases of Coronavirus globally, with more than 5 800 deaths. The outbreak started in Wuhan, China, but the epicentre is now in Europe. Italy has more than 21 000 cases.

NWU has a dedicated Coronavirus website, filled with advice and the latest news. Students and parents are advised to visit the website for the latest updates on the way forward.

**Advice from the World Health Organisation on how to protect yourself from the Coronavirus.**

Kenya also closed all schools from Monday, 16 March, and universities must close by Friday, 20 March. This was announced by Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday. He ordered government departments and private companies to allow employees to work from home, except in critical sectors. On Sunday there were three confirmed Coronavirus cases in Kenya.

Many European countries closed their borders to prevent the spread of the virus. Germany closed its borders with Austria, Switzerland and France, several Baltic states are not allowing foreigners to enter and Spain declared a state of emergency, with citizens told to stay at home and most businesses closed.

The United States also banned travellers from 26 European countries and the United Kingdom and Ireland.

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