South Africa’s Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize on Wednesday reassured the public that he and his wife were recovering well from the coronavirus.
On Sunday, Mkhize’s office had released a statement confirming that he and his wife had tested positive for coronavirus. Mkhize had been tested on Saturday after showing mild symptoms.
Mkhize said he was still in self-isolation and majority of his initial symptoms were no longer there.
“I want to assure you that we are improving each day. I remain in quarantine at home, I am resting and recuperating with only a cough remaining from my previous symptoms,” Mkhize said.
Mkhize added that his wife would continue her recovery at home.
“I’m also very pleased that my wife has been discharged from hospital today and will now be joining me for quarantine at home.”
He further expressed his gratitude for the support and well wishes the couple had received following the news of their illness
“I wish to take this opportunity to appreciate all the well wishes that my wife and I have received from you, my fellow South Africans, colleagues and friends from all over the world.”
Mkhize, however, pointed out that he remained focused on returning to discharge his duties once he fully recovered even as he warned that South Africa was at high risk of a resurgence in coronavirus infections.
“In a war, when an injured soldier lies down to recover, injuries do not remove his mindset from the set goal to win the battle. He uses such an opportunity to reflect on the battle and also to think ahead for when he rejoins the army. Like a soldier, I find myself in that position as we continue to fight this battle against COVID-19 as a country,” he said.
South Africa remains Africa’s worst-affected country by the Covid-19 pandemic with a total of 708,359 confirmed cases and 18,741 deaths.
