Covid-19 scare hits President Cyril Ramaphosa, now he is in quarantine

President Cyril Ramaphosa has begun a period of self-quarantine following the positive Covid-19 diagnosis of a guest at a dinner he attended on Saturday, the Presidency said in a statement.

Ramaphosa had attended a fundraising dinner held by the Adopt-a-School Foundation at a Johannesburg hotel.

The Presidency on Wednesday said that only 35 guests were in attendance and strict Covid-19 protocols were adhered to.

“As was the case with all guests, the president removed his mask only when dining and addressing the guests.”

The foundation which hosted Ramaphosa advised all guests on Tuesday that someone who attended had shown symptoms of the coronavirus on Sunday and had been tested on Monday before receiving a positive result.

The Presidency added that Ramaphosa is screened regularly by the South African Military Health Service and subjects himself to screening at venues where he participates in engagements.

“The president is showing no symptoms at this time and will, in line with Covid-19 health advice, be tested should symptoms manifest.”

The President will perform his duties remotely and will observe the guidelines that apply to self-quarantine.