Staff Reporter
Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela and the MEC for Health, Montseng Tsiu, have tested positive for COVID-19.
The director-general of the provincial government, Kopung Ralikontsane, has also returned a positive coronavirus result.
A statement released by the Office of the Premier said Ntombela would continue to carry out her work responsibilities while in isolation until she has fully recovered, or advised otherwise by healthcare professionals.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembeni Nxangisa, will act as the MEC for Health until Tsiu, who is receiving medical attention, has fully recovered.
Thuso Ramaema, the provincial government’s deputy director-general for policy, planning and governance, will hold the fort for Ralikontsane.
The premier has warned that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, urging everyone in the Free State to play their part in observing the necessary protocols of washing hands and sanitising regularly, wearing a mask when in public and practising physical distancing.
“Although we have made progress in curbing the spread of the virus, it has not been eliminated, and thus, people must continue to exercise extreme cautiousness, and urge others to be responsible and accountable for their actions,” Ntombela said.
“Our ultimate challenge now is that there are communities which are no longer adhering to regulations and observing the necessary protocols, which is putting the lives of citizens in danger.
“It is important to note that many people amongst us who have contracted the coronavirus do not have symptoms, yet could unsuspectingly infect others.
“Our most important duty now, in dealing with this pandemic, is to ensure that we do not experience a new, rapid surge in infections, which will result in what is called a ‘second wave’ or resurgence of infections.”