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China's Consulate General in Cape Town, Lin Jing, told Parliament's oversight committee on Tourism that South Africa had lost out on thousands of Chinese tourists due to the impact of coronavirus.
According to the latest health statistics on Worldometers.info, which sources its information from the World Health Organisation and other health organisations, there have been 80 341 reported cases of coronavirus worldwide, with the death toll at 2 707 and recoveries at 27 835.
Lin said on Tuesday that virus has had a chilling effect on economic activities, including tourism and some levels of trade.
"In terms of the number of Chinese citizens in South Africa, I don't believe there are tourists at this stage. According to the calculation of previous years, there are roughly 100 000 Chinese tourists who come to South Africa and most come to Cape Town, but for this year, there aren't any," Lin said.
The consulate general said of the 3 000 South African citizens in China, 500 of them were located in Wuhan - where the outbreak of the virus originated. He said China would extend assistance to South Africans still in the country, saying it was safe for citizens to stay in China. He said Chinese authorities would facilitate a safe stay in the country.
"Some people are uneasy and not very comfortable. In case there are any difficulties, local authorities will come to help.
"Of course, some people will be eager to come back to their countries, in which case, I am sure members are aware some countries have evacuated people. We are in agreement with the WHO that says there should be imposed restriction of people or trade," said Lin.
Lin said Chinese authorities were happy with the response of the South African government domestically to the outbreak.
"I think the South African government has adopted very effective, efficient and very appropriate measures. My ambassador told me he flew to Ethiopia some time ago, when he came back, quarantine was on board to check everyone's health conditions," said Lin.
He said while a treatment regime was in place, it was still too soon to say when a possible vaccine would be ready for trials and distribution.
