JOHANNESBURG, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The premier of Gauteng, which is the smallest but the most populated province in South Africa, became the third provincial leader who tested positive for the COVID-19 this week.
"Today, Friday, I received my test results confirming that I have tested positive for COVID-19," David Makhura announced, "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."
His positive test comes at a time when Gauteng, South Africa's economic hub, has seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
The provincial health department earlier announced that Gauteng has over 80,000 COVID-19 cases and 515 deaths. The province continued this week preparing more field hospitals in Johannesburg and Pretoria as more people are expected to test positive.
Makhura urged residents to work with the government to adhere to social distancing regulations.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and North West Premier Job Mokgoro had tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Enditem
