South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has advised against all travel to China due to the threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

On Friday, the ministry in collaboration with partners launched thermal screening for passengers arriving from China.

Speaking at the launch of the screening machine at Juba Airport, Health Minister Riek Gai Kok advised South Sudan citizens to postpone trips to China if possible.

The new coronavirus that originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan has killed more than 300 people so far and infected some 14,000 others globally, the vast majority of them in China.

The new coronavirus has been declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization.

 “The government will not suspend flights to China but we are appealing to people that you can delay your travels until all the measures are put in place,” minister said.

The health minister also advised travellers to adhere to the regulations at airports knowing that South Sudan’s health system is fragile. “If one case is imported to South Sudan, it will be a disaster and we have abundance and surplus of problems.”

South Sudan has vast business relations with China.