Economics

Migrant Worker Exodus Undermines South Africa Virus Lockdown

People returning home could exaccerbate spread of coronavirus
Country has confirmed 709 coronavirus cases since March 5

WHO Chief Says Africa Has to Prepare for the Worst With Coronavirus

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By Michael Cohen and Paul Vecchiatto

March 25, 2020 at 2:24 PM UTC

Updated on

March 25, 2020 at 5:00 PM UTC

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Migrant workers in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub and the epicenter of the nation’s coronavirus outbreak, are heading home in droves ahead of a three-week national lockdown, raising the risk of the pandemic becoming more widespread.