S. African president warns against coronavirus-related bigotry

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday warned against coronavirus-related bigotry, calling it a social "virus."

South Africans must not give in to the expressions of bigotry that has been seen in other countries directed at nationals of countries from where the outbreak began or the current epicenter in Europe, Ramaphosa said in his weekly address to the nation.

This is clearly a virus that affects people of all nationalities, he noted.

The president called for efforts to stop spreading fake and unverified news, especially on social media, in relation to COVID-19.

This can exacerbate an already tense national mood and damage the national effort, he said.

One of the greatest dangers at this time is ignorance and misinformation, said Ramaphosa.

"Let us lower the wing of compassion to those who are infected, and to those who have returned home from high-risk countries," he said. "Let us assist those in need and those more vulnerable, instead of shunning them."

Ramaphosa said South Africans will remain faithful to the values of tolerance and respect that define them as a people.

On Sunday evening, Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster after confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 61, including first locally transmitted cases.

South Africa reported its first confirmed case on March 5. Before Sunday, all the cases were imported from Europe, the United States and Canada.

Ramaphosa announced a raft of emergency measures, which include travel bans on visitors from high-risk countries; mandatory testing, self-isolation or quarantine for South African nationals returning from these countries; and strengthening surveillance, screening and testing at ports of entry into South Africa.

In his Monday address, Ramaphosa said his cabinet is finalizing a comprehensive package of interventions to mitigate the expected impact of coronavirus.

This is being done in consultation with business, labor and other relevant institutions, according to Ramaphosa.

South Africans must expect a decline in exports, a drop in tourist arrivals and a severe impact on production, business viability and job creation and retention, he said.

This virus will be extremely disruptive, and the government's priority is to safeguard the health and well-being of all South Africans, the president said.

Ramaphosa said he will be chairing a National Command Council to coordinate all aspects of the national response.

"We will act decisively, with determination and with purpose. We will act as a collective, for it is upon the actions of every South African that the success of our efforts depends," he said.