Ramaphosa tests negative for COVID-19

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for coronavirus, the presidency said in a statement on Thursday.

“The president submitted for testing as a precautionary measure upon the advice of physicians on Tuesday 24th March 2020 and received his results last night,” the statement said, adding he had held meetings with a variety of people in recent weeks.

Meanwhile South Africans prepare to go into lockdown as from tonight with corona virus cases jumping to 709

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on state television pointed out “intense local spread” in Free State province among attendees of a church gathering where five cases were reported. All five in people who had recently traveled abroad. Now almost 30 cases have been recorded.