Western Cape Prime Minister Alan Winde is in self-isolation at home after being tested positive for the coronavirus.
According to informed sources, several cabinet members and officials of the provincial legislature are also in self-insulation because they had close contact with Winds.
The prime minister’s Covid-19 status follows briefly on the heels of his North West counterpart Job Mokgoro, who was tested positive on Tuesday – a day after one of Mokgoro’s MECs, Gordon Kegakilwe, died on Monday. Ricardo Mthembu, the ANC spokesman in KwaZulu-Natal, died on Wednesday at Covid-19.
The DA in the Western Cape also paid tribute on Wednesday to Langeberg municipality mayor Henry Jansen, who died on Tuesday at Covid-19.
Winde, a diabetic, was optimistic on Wednesday and said his symptoms were similar to those of a moderate cold.
“This morning I received a positive test result for Covid-19 and I am 14 days in self-insulation. On Sunday I started to get mild flu-like symptoms. ”
The prime minister says he has a greater risk of becoming more seriously ill because he is over 55 and suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Winde says since he started feeling sick, he stayed home. “I have only mild symptoms. It feels like I have a cold. ”
Winde says given his risk category, he will closely monitor his health.
“I will continue to hold all meetings to coordinate our Covid-19 response in the Western Cape. The Western Cape is working all day to prepare our healthcare system for the increase in cases expected over this time, and we will not take our foot off the pedal. The fight continues. ”
Winde says he informed everyone he came into contact with before his first symptoms appeared.
“It is an important responsibility that we all have to fulfill if we are tested positive. All contacts must be self-quarantined, which means they have to stay home and not get in touch with other people. ”
According to him, his weekly digital news conference will continue as usual on Thursday and he is looking forward to an online meeting with Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa Thursday afternoon at the Presidential Coordination Council’s scheduled meeting, as well as Friday morning’s Cabinet meeting.
Winde says his message to the people of the Western Cape is to take Covid-19 seriously.
“Anyone can get it. So keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Always follow the golden rules, including wearing a cloth mask, cleaning surfaces regularly and washing your hands regularly. ”
