President Cyril Ramaphosa tests negative for Covid-19

President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for the Covid-19 coronavirus.

In a statement released by the presidency on Thursday morning the spokesperson, Khusela Diko, said the president deemed it necessary to make his test results public to reassure the nation that he is in good health and continues with his duties.

Diko said in the past few weeks the president had held meetings with a wide cross-section of people from all walks of life as part of his rigorous schedule as the head of state and chair of the national command council.

“In line with international guidelines, as well as those of the national department of health, testing is recommended if you experience symptoms, if you live in or have recently travelled to an area where the virus is known to be spreading or if you have been in close contact with someone who has Covid-19,” Diko said.

The 21-day lockdown announced on Monday by Ramaphosa to help slow down the spread of the virus comes into effect at midnight.

READ: What you need to know about South Africa’s 21-day lockdown

People will be allowed to leave their homes only under strictly controlled circumstances, including to buy food, medication and to collect social grants.

The military will be deployed during this period to help police to manage the disaster.

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country, as of Wednesday evening, is 709.

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