Coronavirus outbreak: What you need to know

Government has sought to allay the fears of South Africans following the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed at least 170 lives in China.

The virus broke out from Wuhan city, mainland China, and has since spread to several countries.

On Wednesday, Health Department Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize  set out his department’s plan to deal with a possible outbreak in South Africa.

Mkhize says South Africa is fully prepared to respond to possible coronavirus cases.

Every province in the country has a designated hospital to deal with the virus, with Gauteng allocated three health facilities.

SABC News has put together this multimedia platform to help you understand the virus and what you can do to protect yourself as well as where you should go for help in case you suspect that you have been infected.

Watch Minister Zweli Mkhize’s briefing on SA’s readiness for a possible coronavirus outbreak:

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize holds a media briefing on Coronavirus | 31 January 2020: 

Coronavirus | China’s ambassador to SA gives update on efforts to fight the virus:

See map below for designated hospitals:

See the explainer infographic below on the Novel Coronavirus: