President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa reported positive and is being treated for mild COVID-19 symptoms on Sunday, according to his office. Ramaphosa began to feel uneasy, and a test confirmed COVID-19, according to a statement from the presidency.
According to the statement, he is self-isolating in Cape Town and is being watched by the South African Military Health Service. For the next week, he has handed all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza. Ramaphosa, who is 69 years old, is completely vaccinated. He was not infected with the omicron coronavirus strain, according to the statement.
Ramaphosa visited four West African countries last week. During the tour, he and the rest of his group were tested for COVID-19 in each country. Some members of the group tested positive in Nigeria and returned to South Africa immediately. Ramaphosa and his delegation tested negative for the rest of the trip. On Wednesday, he returned from Senegal.
According to the statement, Ramaphosa’s own infection serves as a warning to all South Africans to get vaccinated and remain alert against exposure. Vaccination proves to be the best defense against serious illness and hospitalization, according to the report.
People in South Africa who had contact with Ramaphosa on Sunday should monitor for symptoms or get tested, according to the statement.
Source: CBC News
