PM TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

MBABANE - Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini has tested positive for COVID-19.

The country’s premier yesterday revealed that he tested positive in a statement that was issued in the evening.

“I wish to inform the nation that I have tested positive for COVID-19.

“I am asymptomatic and feeling well but in isolation, in line with health protocols, and being supported by the Ministry of Health medical personnel at home. I will continue working from home until I am cleared of the virus. All my close contacts for the past week are being tested and are expected to self-isolate and follow the necessary health guidelines,” said Dlamini.

Caution 

Dlamini said emaSwati should still take caution against the virus. “May I take this opportunity to remind emaSwati of the importance of adhering to all COVID-19 health guidelines at all times, which include washing hands regularly with running water and soap or using a sanitiser, wearing a face mask in public and observing social distancing protocols. Avoid crowded places and ensure to only stay in properly ventilated spaces even when using public transport,” said the PM.

 He also said government continued to intensify its response to the virus, especially at a time when projections were indicating that the country was in danger of experiencing a second wave of infections. “As per our newly-launched campaign, ‘Mgcini Wesive’, we should not stop looking after one another and encouraging adherence to all health protocols at all times,” he said.

Confirmation 

Dlamini’s confirmation of testing positive for COVID-19 comes barely a week after he warned individuals and entities that sell liquor that government was not going to hesitate to reinstate the alcohol ban.

The PM’s stern warning was after there were reports that hot spots were gathering large numbers of people who did not conform to COVID-19 regulations, which include wearing masks and social distancing. Also, it was reported that the fun lovers were imbibing publicly while alcohol regulations strictly state that alcohol should be sold for home use or served with food in a restaurant. 

Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi confirmed that the prime minister had tested positive for COVID-19, saying he was well as he was asymptomatic.

Asymptomatic 

“The prime minister did test positive for coronavirus and we are glad that he is still well as he is asymptomatic. We are keeping calm as we have now empowered ourselves to manage the virus.

“Also, Dlamini has taken it well as he has been educated on the virus that it is not a death sentence. We are optimistic that he will recover in no time,” said Nkosi. She also said the news of the PM testing positive for coronavirus did not come as a surprise as he was a busy man.

“The PM was busy with tours and in the process he was meeting many people such that this was almost unavoidable,” said Nkosi.

She also said this should send a message to people that the virus was still active.

“The fight against COVID-19 is still not over and it seems like people have forgotten, especially with the festive season approaching. The excitement should not make people think that the virus is now over,” she said. She said people should continue wearing masks, wash their hands and sanitise regularly.

 Minister of Education and Training Lady Mabuza said she was also aware that the premier had tested positive for COVID-19, saying she wished him a speedy recovery.

“We are not shaken by the fact that Dlamini contracted the virus as we are certain that he will recover soon and he will be cleared,” said Mabuza.

Dlamini is not the first leader of the country to test positive for COVID-19. 

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson was the first major world leader who was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. He was moved to intensive care in April after his symptoms dramatically worsened a day after he was hospitalised for what were announced as routine tests. He was given oxygen but he did not need a ventilator.

United States of America President Donald Trump announced on October 2 that he and his wife, Melania Trump, had contracted the virus while travelling with one of his advisors, Hope Hicks, who tested positive earlier that week. 

South Africa’s Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize and his wife also tested positive for COVID-19 last month. He went on quarantine at home until he was fully recovered.

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