South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19, while his wife has been hospitalised.
“I wish to inform the public that this afternoon [Sunday] my wife, Dr May Mkhize, and I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Mkhize said in a statement, as reported by IOL.
Mkhize explained that, while his symptoms were relatively mild, his wife wasn’t as fortunate.
“We decided to go test yesterday [Saturday] when I started showing mild symptoms. I was feeling abnormally exhausted and as the day progressed I started losing appetite. My wife had a cough, was dizzy, and extremely exhausted. Given her symptoms, the doctors advised that she must be admitted for observation and rehydration,” he said.
“Our close contacts in the past week have been a few of our family members and some of my health ministry team. We have informed them and advised them to immediately isolate in their homes and be tested. I am now in quarantine at home and both my wife and I remain optimistic that we will fully recover from this virus,” Mkhize said.
He went on to praise the country’s efforts in its battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, before urging South Africans to continue following healthcare protocols.
“As a country, South Africa had made significant strides in the fight against the pandemic,” he continued.
“Let us not dare regress. Whatever we do and wherever we go, we have to keep in mind that there remains a risk of a second wave. This virus only spreads through movement and contact of people. Therefore we must all play our part. We must protect ourselves and those we love.
“I will use this quarantine period to rest and recharge because our task to improve the health services of our country and the lives our people, even post-COVID-19, remains of paramount importance.”
Mkhize’s Health Ministry reported 703 793 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Africa on Sunday, with 90% of the cases resulting in recoveries.
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