Following the results of Sunday’s test, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently receiving treatment for mild symptoms of COVID-19.
Mondli Gungubele, a Minister in the Presidency, confirmed this after Ramaphosa delivered his FW de Klerk memorial service in Cape Town on Sunday.
“The president began to feel bad after leaving a state memorial service in Cape Town on Sunday to pay tribute to former deputy president FW de Klerk,” Gungubele said.
Cape Town’s procedures today are based on the health laws governing hand hygiene, the use of masks, and the public health system.
According to a statement issued just after 10pm, Deputy President David Mabuza will be taking over “all duties” next week.
Last month, a variant of the most versatile Omicron was discovered in South Africa, causing widespread concern that it was more contagious than other versions.
According to the statement, the president and the entire South African delegation were tested for COVID-19 during a recent visit to four West African countries.
“I’m very sorry to hear that you have been tested for COVID-19, my brother Cyril Ramaphosa. I wish you a speedy recovery. Stay strong! Together !,” World Health Organization chief executive Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted.
Despite the fact that Omicron has been found in countries around the world, it is not yet clear whether it produces the most serious illnesses or if, and to what extent, it can withstand vaccines.
After the WHO reported earlier this week that there was further evidence that Omicron was causing more serious illness than Delta, the current difference, the EU Medicines Agency said on Thursday that Omicron could cause mild symptoms.