To date, there are no known cases in Botswana and South Africa.
The Embassy of France in Botswana and the Consulate General in Johannesburg are closely monitoring the situation, in close contact with the Botswana authorities and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) in Paris.
The South African authorities have announced and implemented control measures at international points of entry into the country.
The MEAE has updated its travel advisory cards for travellers to countries affected by the virus. It advises the French not to travel to China unless there are compelling reasons to do so (https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/chine/). Travel advice is being reassessed in light of the evolving international epidemiological situation and WHO recommendations.
These recommendations are also valid for compatriots residing in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho, where no cases have been identified. The situation is being closely monitored by the French embassies in the countries concerned and by the Consulate General.
=> Hygiene and prevention precautions :
- Wash hands frequently with a hydro alcoholic solution or with soap and water.
- Cover your mouth and nose with the crease of your elbow or with a handkerchief in case of cough or sneeze - throw away the handkerchief immediately afterwards and wash your hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a fever and cough.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor about your travel plans.
=> Health recommendations if you are returning from a stay in China, on your return and within 14 days :
- Monitor your temperature twice a day, wear a surgical mask in the presence of family and friends and outside the home;
- Reduce non-essential activities (cinema, restaurant, parties…) and the frequentation of places where frail people are (hospitals, maternity wards, old people’s homes…);
- Wash your hands regularly;
- In case of fever or feeling of fever, cough, difficulty breathing, please contact a doctor quickly and report your trip.
=> Consult
. The site of the Consulate of Johannesburg: https://johannesburg.consulfrance.org/-Francais-
. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs’ travel advice website: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/informations-pratiques/article/nouveau-coronavirus-13-02-2020
. The website http://www.nicd.ac.za/coronavirus-update/ of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the South African authorities.
. The WHO site: https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public