South African President Ramaphosa was one of the 18 035 South Africans who tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday. According to a statement released by his office “The president started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former President FW de Klerk in Cape Town”.
Earlier this month, the president embarked trip to four West African States.
“The President and the delegation returned to South Africa from the Republic of Senegal on Wednesday. 8 December 2021, after obtaining negative test results,” the statement continued.
As the number of positive covid cases continues to rise, experts think the country could go into stricter lockdown restrictions. This could curtail the plans many South Africans had for the festive season.
The Bureau for Economic Research says South Africans can expect an address from the president in the incoming week.
READ MORE: Ramaphosa urges South Africans to get vaccinated to avoid harsher lockdowns
“Incoming data showed that the more infectious Omicron variant, with is driving local infections has so far led to fewer hospitalisations and fatalities in SA than during the early stages of the Delta-driven third wave. Therefore, we still expect any tightening of lockdown restrictions to largely focus on curbing the size of especially indoor gatherings,” it said in its weekly review.
The presidency has assured South Africans that President Ramaphosa remains in good spirits. His health is being taken care of by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force.
“The President, who is fully vaccinated, is in self-isolation in Cape Town and has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza.
It is unknown if the president is infected with the highly contagious Omicron Variant, which experts say has over 50 mutations.
