By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of trade, industry and competition Ebrahim Patel tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday.
“Minister Patel is in good spirits and is in self-isolation. Government urges all South Africans to vaccinate and remain disciplined in observing all Covid-19 safety protocols to ensure a safe and joyful festive season with family and friends,” his office said on Wednesday.
Patel’s positive Covid test comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa and minister Gwede Mantashe tested positive for the coronavirus last week.
Ramaphosa got tested after feeling unwell after leaving the state memorial service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD),reported 7 216 new COVID-19 cases last night that have been identified in South Africa, which brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 3 424 534.
To defeat this virus, we must all continue playing our part in observing all health protocols of washing our hands regularly, properly wearing a mask when in public and practicing physical distancing.