Minister of Trade Industry has tested positive for Covid-19

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel (MP), has tested positive for Covid-19. He received his tests his results on 25th of July, 2020.

This is the second time the minister will be tested since the pandemic started.

Minister Patel was reported to be in good spirit and self-quarantining in his home.

He will also continue to work from home as he is committed to preparing South Africa for the post-covid world, strengthening efforts around reconstruction and recovery.

The Minister announced in a virtual parliamentary budget vote debate yesterday that, every directorate of the DTIC and every agency within its mandate will have to work towards saving firms and jobs during this period while working from home.

Those who had recently been in contact with the Minister have also been told to self-isolate and if possible, get tested.

Cabinet spokesperson, Ms Phumla Williams encouraged all to try as much as possible to defeat this virus by observing all health protocols of washing hands regularly, properly wearing a mask when in public and practicing physical distancing.