South Africa: Zweli Mkhize contracted Covid-19 now to be quarantined

After an exhaustive seven months as South Africa’s leading authority on the COVID-19 pandemic, Zweli Mkhize – and his wife May – have both contracted coronavirus over the weekend. The pair will now quarantine from home.

HEALTH MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS

The health minister stated late on Sunday evening that he was feeling ‘exhausted’ and had gradually lost his appetite. Meanwhile, May Mkhize reported that her symptoms included dizzy spells and a continuous cough.

The ANC stalwart broke the news on Twitter. He issued a stark message to South Africans, ‘begging’ them to continue wearings masks, washing hands, and to remain socially distant. At Level 1 of lockdown, it’s understandable that some citizens may become complacent. But Zweli Mkhize’s diagnosis serves as a timely reminder that the virus is still with us.

ZWELI MKHIZE’S ‘COVID-19 WARNING’ FOR SOUTH AFRICA

“I wish to inform the public that this afternoon my wife, Dr. May Mkhize, and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We decided to go test yesterday when I started showing mild symptoms. I was feeling abnormally exhausted and as the day progressed, I started losing appetite. My wife had a cough, was dizzy, and extremely exhausted.”

“Given her symptoms, the doctors advised that she must be admitted for observation and rehydration. Our close contacts in the past week have been a few of our family members and some of my Health Ministry team. We have informed them and advised them to immediately isolate in their homes and be tested.”

“I am now in quarantine at home and both my wife and I remain optimistic that we will fully recover from this virus. I wish to take this opportunity to urge all South Africans to continue adhering to health protocols. I want to beg that we do not neglect wearing our masks, social distancing, and washing / sanitizing our hands.”