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- Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has tested positive for Covid-19.
- He will be self-isolating and monitoring his health as he is diabetic and over 55 years of age.
- Winde joins North West Premier Job Mokgoro, who tested positive on Tuesday.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is self-isolating at home for the next 14 days after confirming he tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday.
"I received a positive test result for Covid-19 this morning, and I am in self-isolation at home for 14 days," Winde said in a statement on Wednesday.
"On Sunday, I started to develop mild flu-like symptoms. As I am diabetic (type 2) and over 55 years of age, I know I am at a higher risk of developing a more serious illness. I therefore went to be tested to determine the cause of the symptoms on Monday."
Winde said he stayed at home as soon as he started feeling sick and was only experiencing mild symptoms.
"It feels like I have a cold. However, given my risk category, I will be carefully monitoring my health to make sure that any change is picked up quickly.
"I will still be taking all meetings to coordinate our Covid-19 response in the Western Cape. The Western Cape has been working around the clock to ready our healthcare system for the increase in cases expected over this time, and we will not let our foot off the pedal.
"The fight continues."
Based on medical advice, he would also be contacting previous contacts from three days prior to the first symptoms.
"This is an important responsibility that we must all undertake when we test positive. 'Close contacts' must self-quarantine. This means that you must stay at home and not come into contact with other people."
Winde's busy diary on Friday last week included a visit to Brackengate field hospital, in Brackenfell, Cape Town, where he joined the Stormers rugby squad, led by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
The team helped off-load and carry into place hospital furniture – to prepare the facility for its first patients.
Winde spent time speaking to the media outside, and inside making beds – with one or two players, in particular – before he left early to chair a Western Cape Cabinet meeting.
He would still be hosting his weekly "Digicon" on Thursday to answer more questions, which is available to the public on social media channels.
"I will also use the opportunity to share medical expertise on diabetes as a high-risk category during Covid-19. As I am diabetic, this is something very close to my heart."
He added: "I also look forward to meeting with President Ramaphosa online during the scheduled President's Coordinating Council meeting on Thursday afternoon, and will be chairing our second Cabinet meeting of the week on Friday morning, which takes place on MS Teams.
"My message to the people of the Western Cape at this time is to take Covid-19 seriously. Anyone can get it. So, please keep yourself safe, and your loved ones safe.
"Follow the five golden rules at all times, including wearing a cloth mask, cleaning surfaces regularly and washing or sanitising your hands often. And, please be kind, and compassionate at all times.
"To those residents who have also tested positive for Covid-19, I wish you strength and speedy recovery. This is a difficult time for all of you and your families, and I want you to know that the Western Cape government is doing everything it can to make sure we beat this pandemic," Winde said.
