Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has tested positive for Covid-19.
A terse communique from his department on Wednesday said: “Minister Patel tested positive on Tuesday, 28 December 2021.”
The trade, industry, and competition department added: “Minister Patel is in good spirits and is currently in self-isolation.”
The communique did not say if the 59-year-old minister was vaccinated against Covid-19.
However, the department said the government urges all South Africans to vaccinate and remain disciplined in observing all Covid-19 safety protocols to ensure a safe and joyful festive season with family and friends.
South Africa is in the throes of the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, largely driven by Omicron – the new variant first detected by scientists in South Africa.
