Gauteng Premier David Makhura tests positive for Covid-19 virus

- Gauteng Premier David Makhura has confirmed that he has tested positive for Covid-19

- The provincial leader said that he had experienced mild symptoms earlier in the week and is now self-isolating

- The province has overtaken the Western Cape as the nation's epicentre of infections

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Gauteng Premier David Makhura has confirmed that he has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus amid the national pandemic.

In a statement released by the provincial government, Makhura explained his personal experience with the coronavirus:

"On Wednesday I experienced some mild symptoms. On Thursday, I decided to self-quarantine and test for Covid-19 as a precautionary measure. Today, Friday, I received my test results confirming that I have tested positive for Covid-19.

"I am now in self-isolation in line with the WHO protocols and will work from home over the next 14 days whilst monitoring my health."

Despite contracting the virus in his province, which is now South Africa's epicentre, Makhura remains dedicated to his work:

"Given the fact that I only have mild symptoms, I will continue to ensure that the Provincial Executive Council and Provincial Coronavirus Command Council respond adequately to weather the storm of the pandemic in order to save more lives."

READ ALSO: Explainer: Gauteng clarifies 1.5 million Covid-19 graves comment

The province's MECs are expected to provide their usual weekly update later on Friday, according to the Premier:

"The MECs will later today give a weekly update on Covid-19. The primary focus of our response is to limit the number of infections and save more lives. We must double our efforts because Gauteng is once again the epicentre of Covid-19."

Makhura pleaded with Gauteng residents to continue contributing to the difficult battle against the unseen enemy:

"I wish to appeal to all the people of Gauteng to continue playing their part in observing the golden rules of washing hands regularly, wearing a mask and practising physical distancing."

In other news, Briefly.co.za reported that Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku has caused a stir by confirming that the government is preparing 1.5 million gravesites across the province in anticipation of Covid-19 peak infections.

While this was initially taken as the department had literally dug up over a million graves, the department later clarified that it was merely ensuring that it could handle the expected influx of Covid-19 fatalities.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma had outright denied the plan to prepare mass graves despite earlier confirmation from the province.

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Source: Briefly News