CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 20: New Health Minister Joe Phaahla and Western Cape Health minister Nomafrench Mbombo on a site visit at the Grand West on August 20, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa – Gallo Images / Brenton Geach
Minister of Health tests positive for COVID-19
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, is currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. The department stressed that the pandemic is not over.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 20: New Health Minister Joe Phaahla and Western Cape Health minister Nomafrench Mbombo on a site visit at the Grand West on August 20, 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa – Gallo Images / Brenton Geach
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has contracted COVID-19, his department announced on Tuesday, 19 July.
MINISTER OF HEALTH CONTRACTS COVID-19
National Health Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said Phaahla tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday after experiencing minor symptoms.
“Minister Phaahla took tests earlier today and the results came back positive, and he immediately self-isolated,” said Mohale.
Phaahla will continue with his official duties from home for a period of seven days. The Minister of Health has received two doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which he believes has boosted his immunity and prevented severe disease, according to the department.
“The Department would like to remind the public that lifting the COVID-19 restrictions doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, hence vaccination services remain accessible at all times at selected sites,” said Mohale.
South Africa recorded 171 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, 18 July and zero deaths within the past 24 to 48 hours.
Three people were admitted to hospital. The 669 private and public health facilities reporting COVID-19 statistics currently have 1042 patients admitted.
Nearly 102 000 people in South Africa have succumbed to the disease to date.
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