Below is a press release from Eswatini on the first suspected case of COVID-19;

The country has registered the first suspected case of COVID-19, a condition caused by Corona Virus, on the 14th February 2020. The case was identified in one of the health facilities in the country, following which the MOH Rapid Response Team responded and blood samples were taken for further investigation.

The suspected case is under clinical management in the health facility observing all infection prevention
and control standards relevant for a suspected case.

The suspected case has history of travel to Mainland China, and arrived in the country on 6th February 2020 through Ngwenya port of entry and has been on the list of people being followed up on arrival according to the Ports of Entry health screening protocol.

In this regard, the Ministry would like to request everyone who has had recent travel to China, in particular the students studying there to call 977 to register as a returned traveller from China.

The Ministry of Health would like to remind the public that the country remains at high alert for the Corona virus. You are therefore urged to observe preventive measures as listed below:Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

Wash hands regularly with soap and water

Open windows in buses and venues where people congregate

If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing or flue-like symptoms and a history of travel, seek medical assistance

Health workers should screen all patients and take a detailed history of anyone presenting with flue-like symptoms

The situation is being monitored closely by the Ministry of Health with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO). The public will continue to be informed on any further developments.

DR. V. MAGAGULA
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH SERVICES