CAPE TOWN- Health minister Zweli Mkhize and his wife, May, have tested positive for Covid-19 and have now gone into quarantine.
Mkhize made the announcement on Sunday evening and said that he will use his quarantine period to rest and recharge. "Our task to improve the health services of our country and the lives our people even post Covid-19 remains of paramount importance," he said.
The couple were tested on Saturday after showing mild symptoms. Mkhize said he felt abnormally exhausted and lost his appetite, while his wife had a cough, was dizzy and felt extremely exhausted. Given her symptoms, the doctors advised that she must be admitted for observation and rehydration.
"I am now in quarantine at home and both my wife and I remain optimistic that we will fully recover from this virus," he said.
Close contacts, family members and some of the Health Ministry team have been informed of the couple's diagnosis and have been advised to immediately isolate in their homes and be tested.
"I wish to take this opportunity to urge all South Africans to continue adhering to health protocols. I want to beg that we do not neglect wearing our masks, social distancing and washing / sanitizing our hands."
"As country, we’ve made significant strides in our fight against this pandemic. 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," said Mkhize.
https://twitter.com/DrZweliMkhize/status/1317912421256908801
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