The novel coronavirus has hit the Union Buildings, the official seat of Government, forcing the disinfection and cleaning of all presidency facilities.
The Presidency confirmed that one of its essential staff members had tested positive for coronavirus.
Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, David Mabuza, have not been working from the Union Buildings, a statement from the Presidency reads.
“In line with government’s guidelines on the management of COVID-19 cases, steps have been taken to secure treatment of the relevant staff member and to provide support to the member’s family,” the statement states.
“Steps have also been taken to ensure that officials who have come into contact with the staff member are screened,” it adds.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has revealed that a total of 511 health workers have tested positive for COVID-19. Two have died while 26 have been hospitalised.
Mkhize was speaking in Rustenburg in the North West, during a visit to receive personal protective equipment from Sibanye Stillwater and Old Mutual.
He said government had received a call from the government of Madagascar asking for help with research on the herb, Covid-Organics, that the island country claims is a remedy for the coronavirus.
“We will only get involved in a scientific analysis of the herb,” he said.
