South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Thursday began restricting visits to his office at J1, as the country ramps up precautions against the deadly novel coronavirus.

The measure was announced in a press statement issued in Juba by Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mayiik Ayii Deng.

According to the statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, all appointments with President Kiir are temporarily restricted for ministers, deputy ministers, MPs, other government officials and all members of the public.

The statement added that all other emergency issues that require immediate attention of the president shall be submitted in writing through the security office at the main gate for further transmission.

“Once your request for appointment has been approved, a designated official from the Department of State Protocol will contact you and arrange for your entry to the State House,” the statement said.

The statement pointed out that all scheduled visitors shall undergo health screening at the entrance without any exception. It stressed that those who have no appointment will be denied access to the state house.

South Sudan which has not yet registered any case of coronavirus is stepping up its efforts to prevent the new coronavirus pandemic.

Key symptoms of coronavirus include dry cough, shortness of breath and fever.

A person can also get infected with coronavirus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or their eyes.

People are being advised by health officials to observe high standards of hygiene and limit unnecessary human contact.