Minister Patel tests positive for Covid-19
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel has tested positive for Covid-19 - the fourth South African minister to contract the virus.
Cabinet spokeswoman Phumla Williams said in a statement that Patel, 58, received his results on Saturday.
"Minister Patel is in good spirits and is in self-quarantine, and will continue to work from home," Williams said.
"Those that have been in contact with the Minister are also in self-isolation and have been encouraged to get tested," she added.
Four ministers and several MPs have so far contracted coronavirus in the country.
On Monday, both Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe were separately admitted to hospital with the virus.
The fourth is Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who has since recovered.
To date South Africa has recorded 434,200 cases of coronavirus, at least 6,655 of whom have died.
READ ALSO:
Minister Mantashe admitted to hospital for Covid-19
Mantashe and his wife, Nolwandle, tested positive last week. Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, confirmed on Monday evening that the Minister has been referred to seek hospital care. "Minister Mantashe was admitted to hospital on the advice of the family doctor for better medical attention and monitoring, while Nolwandle will continue to self quarantine at home," says Mthembu.