By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, is currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday.
National Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said Phaahla tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday after experiencing minor symptoms.
Phaahla will continue with his official duties from home for a period of seven days. The Minister of Health has received two doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which he believes has boosted his immunity and prevented severe disease, according to Foster.
The Department of Health on Monday reported 171 new cases, pushing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 4 000 631.
Gauteng remains the hardest-hit province, followed by the Western Cape.
Meanwhile, the country saw an increase of 10 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 1 102 patients who are currently receiving hospital treatment for Coronavirus.
To date, 25 887 017 tests have been conducted in both the public and private sectors.
The Department of Health has now distributed 37 044 632 COVID-19 vaccine doses, 13 651 of which were given since the last reporting cycle.
Data show that 20 208 298 adults are now jabbed, while 2 614 546 vaccine shots were distributed to children between the ages of 12 and 17.