PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa started a period of
self-quarantine today following the positive COVID-19 diagnosis of a guest at a
dinner attended by the president at the weekend.
According to a media statement released by the presidency, Ramaphosa
attended a fundraising dinner of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, a partner
entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation on Saturday, October 24.
The Adopt-a-School Foundation advised dinner guests
yesterday that a guest had shown symptoms on Sunday and tested on Monday before
receiving a positive result yesterday.
“The Foundation became aware of this development and
communicated this to guests yesterday. This was hours after the president had
performed the unveiling of a statue of liberation icon, OR Tambo and the
official opening of a new Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre in Ekurhuleni in
the morning,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the event for 35 guests was held
at a Johannesburg hotel where Foundation guests were the only people hosted by
the establishment. “The event adhered stringently to COVID-19 protocols and
directives on screening, social distancing and the wearing of masks. As was the
case with all guests, the president himself removed his mask only when dining
and addressing the guests. The President wishes the guest, who is receiving
medical attention, a safe and speedy recovery and other guests, good health.”
The statement also mentioned that Ramaphosa is screened
regularly by the South African Military Health Service and subjects himself to
screening at venues where he participates in engagements.
“The President is showing no symptoms at this time and will,
in line with COVID-19 health advice, be tested should symptoms manifest. The
President will perform his duties remotely and will observe the guidelines that
apply to self-quarantine.”
SOURCE: MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
