Dr Zwelini Mkhize, Minister of Health, and his wife, Dr May Mkhize, have tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.
“We decided to go test yesterday 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,” Mkhize said in a statement.
Their close contacts in the past week have been a few of their family members and some of his 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.
“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.”
He added that as country, South Africa has made significant strides in the fight against the 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,” he said.
Mkhize said that he will use his quarantine period to rest and recharge as his department’s task to improve the health services of the country and the lives the people “remains of paramount importance”.
