The Department of health says despite the first case of Covid19 being confirmed in the country, the situation is under control, with teams on the ground to ensure it doesn’t spread any further.

The patient is a 38-year-old male who travelled to Italy with his wife. They were part of a group of 10 people and they arrived back in South Africa on 1 March. The man, and his doctor, are in isolation.

Health Minister Zweli Mhkize says tracer teams are now in Kwazulu Natal to identify the rest of the group.

Mhkize says public health officials at the country’s Covid19 Emergency Operations Centre will work around the clock.

Mhkize says the priority is to stay alert at all the points of entry.