Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Chinese Ambassador Allays Africa Coronavirus Fears Anita Powell PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - One of China's top Africa diplomats -- the ambassador to South Africa -- says there is no need for Africans to panic over the coronavirus. No confirmed cases of the pneumonia-like virus have yet surfaced on the continent. Ambassador Lin Songtian says China is monitoring all visitors to South Africa, and that in China, officials are treating the thousands of African nationals who may be at risk. The best thing Africans can do about the spread of coronavirus, says the ambassador, is to remain calm and stay put. The respiratory virus has now affected more than 14,500 people across 23 countries, according to the World Health Organization. Most cases -- and most of the more than 300 deaths -- occurred in China, where the virus originated last year. As fears spread globally, the ambassador sought to soothe frayed nerves in South Africa's capital. "We have no choice but to work together to win the battle against this virus and bring them under our control," Lin said Monday. "And that is our suggestion, we hope. American friends, European union, all the developed countries -- you can feel ensured and relaxed. China is safe. We have shown, the capacity and the resources are strong enough to bring this disease, the coronavirus, under control as soon as possible." More than 3,000 South African nationals reside in China, and he advised them -- and others -- to remain in place. Several countries, including Australia, Britain, Japan and the United States, have repatriated their citizens, which Chinese officials say may only spread the infection. References Visible links Hidden links: 1. file://localhost/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/beijing-denounces-international-restrictions-planes-china .