CAPE TOWN - Deputy President David Mabuza has tested negative for the Coronavirus, the presidency announced on Sunday.
"Noting the interest of the public in the status of Deputy President Mabuza, the South African National Defence Force and the Office of the Deputy President has resolved that it is in the public interest to assure all South Africans that the Deputy President tested negative for COVID-19," said the presidency in a statement released to the media.
Deputy President Mabuza has this past week on 24 March 2019, which commemorates the World TB Day, in a meeting with Traditional Leaders called on them and all South Africans to test should they experience symptoms associated with this novel virus. This includes instances where they may have recently travelled to an area with ongoing spread of the virus, or if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
"Deputy President Mabuza made this call having himself as a precautionary measure, tested on the advice of his physicians for having been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
The Deputy President continues to take necessary precautions during this testing time, where the world and our country is doing all that is necessary to flatten the curve as we tackle this pandemic," they said.
“It is incumbent on all South Africans to stop the spread of this virus and minimise further the disruption this virus has caused to all of us. We must stand united as a nation as we confront this challenge, and are called upon to support all those infected and affected by this pandemic.”, said Deputy President Mabuza
CORONAVIRUS MONITOR