Staff Reporter
Two MECs in the Free State have tested positive for COVID-19 as the province’s official count for coronavirus fatalities more than doubled with 84 deaths being recorded within 24 hours.
Education MEC Tate Makgoe and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thembeni Nxangisa are among the 970 new cases that were confirmed in the province Sunday evening.
A statement issued by the provincial government said Makgoe has been admitted to hospital while Nxangisa is self-isolating at home.
“Makgoe, whose COVID-19 tests returned positive on Thursday . . . has since been admitted at a local hospital in Bloemfontein, through the advice of healthcare professionals,” read part of the statement.
Economic Development MEC Makalo Mohale is currently acting as the Education MEC.
“MEC Nxangisa, whose COVID-19 tests returned positive on Sunday . . . is currently in isolation and will continue to execute his duties while isolated at home until he has fully recovered or advised otherwise by healthcare professionals,” added the statement.
Premier Sisi Ntombela wished the pair a speedy recovery and appealed to everyone to keep safe and observe all health protocols being implemented to keep COVID-19 at bay including regularly washing and sanitising hands, wearing masks when out in public as well as practising physical distancing.
“The appeal we continue to make to the masses of our people is (for them) to play an active role in curbing the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
“While government is working around the clock . . . against this invisible enemy, each individual must take responsibility for their safety and consider the safety of others (too).
“We shall overcome this pandemic.”
Meanwhile, the 970 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 confirmed Sunday have brought the Free State’s total to 15 512.
The province’s death toll which officially stood at 63 on Friday has shot up to 147, while 2 075 people have so far recovered.
Mangaung Metro, which remains the Free State’s epicentre of the pandemic, recorded 367 new cases while Fezile Dabi had 135.
There were 162 new cases in Thabo Mofutsanyana, 266 in Lejweleputswa and 38 in Xhariep, while two others are yet to be allocated.
The prevalence of the disease among people below the age of 20 years presently stands at 11.4 percent.
