The 184 South Africans waiting to be evacuated from the coronavirus epicentre in Wuhan, China may have to wait a little longer to be rescued. Despite preparations already being finalised, it seems domestic matters in Mzansi are holding up the progress of this mission.

SA citizens in Wuhan: Where will they be quarantined?

The government and SANDF are working in tandem to bring back our expats, who are desperately looking for a way out of their quarantined accommodation in the Asian country. A plane has been chartered and the blueprint to move them successfully from Wuhan is ready to be actioned. But the thorny issue of where they will be quarantined upon returning to South Africa is proving to be highly contentious.

As we reported last week, the near-200-strong group are set to be isolated in Free State. The Black Mountain Hotel had previously agreed to house the returnees, but in the past few days, staff and management at the facility have been physically threatened if they go ahead with the deal – and it has prompted them to pull out, meaning there is no longer a secure location where the “Wuhan Clan” can stay.

Coronavirus: Hotel staff “abused”

All SA citizens returning from the Chinese city must spend 21 days in quarantine, to ensure they aren’t bringing more strains of coronavirus to our shores. In comments shared by the Sunday Times, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) confirmed Black Mountain Hotel workers had been “intimidated” by locals concerned about hosting the group.

“We have also received some disturbing reports of some of the potential service providers being abused. This intimidation makes it very difficult for government to speedily conclude preparations. Until we identify and sign for a site, the South Africans are stuck. Health protocols state we must quarantine those returning.” GCIS statement

There have been two confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Africa so far, with both patients identified after returning from a trip to Italy. The European country was hit terribly by the disease, which has been home to some of the biggest outbreaks outside of China. The KZN duo remain in isolation.