South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa has COVID-19, presidency says | Coronavirus pandemic News

South African president is self-isolating in Cape City and is receiving therapy for delicate signs, presidency says.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has examined constructive for COVID-19 and is receiving therapy for delicate signs, his workplace stated.

Ramaphosa, who’s totally vaccinated, started feeling unwell after leaving a state memorial service for former President F W de Klerk in Cape City on Sunday, it stated.

The 69-year-old chief is now self-isolating in Cape City and is being monitored by the South African Navy Well being Service, it stated.

He has delegated all duties to Deputy President David Mabuza for the subsequent week.

The presidency didn’t say whether or not Ramaphosa had been contaminated with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The extremely mutated variant, which was first detected in South Africa final month, has sparked international panic over fears that it’s extra contagious than different strains of the coronavirus.

The presidency stated Ramaphosa and his staff had been examined for COVID-19 a number of instances final week throughout visits to 4 West African nations.

Some within the president’s delegation examined constructive in Nigeria and returned on to South Africa. All through the remainder of the journey, Ramaphosa and his delegation examined unfavorable.

“The president and the delegation returned to South Africa from the Republic of Senegal on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, after acquiring unfavorable take a look at outcomes.

“The president additionally examined unfavorable on his return to Johannesburg on December 8,” it stated.

The assertion quoted Ramaphosa as saying that his personal an infection served as a warning to all residents of the significance of getting vaccinated and remaining vigilant in opposition to publicity.

“Vaccination stays the perfect safety in opposition to extreme sickness and hospitalisation,” the assertion stated.

“Individuals who have had contact with the president as we speak are suggested to observe for signs or to have themselves examined,” it added.

South Africa is presently battling a speedy resurgence pushed by the Omicron variant, well being officers say.

In early November, South Africa was recording about 200 new circumstances, however infections started rising dramatically quickly after.

The nation recorded greater than 18,000 new confirmed circumstances of COVID-19 on Sunday night time.

Greater than 70 p.c of the circumstances are estimated to be from Omicron, in response to genetic sequencing surveys.

Thus far, the vast majority of circumstances have been comparatively delicate, and the proportion of extreme circumstances needing oxygen have been low, say docs.