With South Africa’s third COVID-19 case confirmed over the weekend, a North-West University (NWU) academic believes that effective border control is needed to curb the further spread of the Coronavirus.

Prof Muhiyatshombe Lukamba says a large number of health professionals are needed to screen each and every person in trucks entering South Africa, particularly at the larger border posts such as Beit Bridge and the border along Swaziland. Home Affairs Department participation, he says, will be crucial.

Prof Lukamba’s comments follow those of Free State Agriculture president Francois Wilken who says that success in curbing the spread would depend on adequate border control.

"Border control is currently very weak along the South Africa – Lesotho border. At some points there are no fences and people simply cross over from the Lesotho side into South Africa. However, we are working with the SA National Defence Force and the SA Police Service.”

"We are worried, but remain confident that government will ensure that all planned measures are implemented in a disciplined manner to contain the Coronavirus," says Mr Wilken.

Meanwhile, NWU microbiologist Dr Hazel Mufhandu reiterated the need for the public not to panic.

“The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) staff are also testing everyone who has been in contact with the confirmed Coronavirus cases and they will be quarantined when necessary,” she says.

“We should by all means prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding close contact with those who are sick, and by applying standard hygiene practices such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and washing hands regularly with soap and water.”

Furthermore, the NWU has established a response team to handle the preparedness of the university in the event of a possible spread of the Coronavirus.

Regular updates on the COVID-19 virus and other useful information are also made available here: http://www.nwu.ac.za/coronavirus.