Parliament, Wednesday 4 March 2020 – Members of Parliament in the National Assembly will hold a debate on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and South Africa’s readiness to deal with it.

The debate will provide an opportunity for public representatives, on behalf of South Africans, to express views on the novel virus and to interact with government ministers directly on this urgent matter of national public importance.

The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January. On the same day, South Africa activated its Emergency Operations Centre.

The South African government and institutes, such as the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, have issued daily statements and updates on the virus.

South Africa has had no confirmed Covid-19 case so far.

Tomorrow’s debate, starting at 2pm, will be broadcast live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), streamed live on Parliament’s website and on Parliament’s YouTube channel (@ParliamentofRSA).

Other media platforms are also likely to carry the debate live.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930