SA minister tests positive for Covid-19

South Africa's Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu has become the fourth member of the executive to test positive for coronavirus.

Mr Mthembu was tested on Monday after displaying symptoms, the presidency said.

He has gone into quarantine along with everyone who came into close contact with him.

The minister tweeted that he had abdominal pain:

“Today I visited the Military hospital in Tshwane to get medical attention for an abdominal pain . After undergoing some tests , I tested positive for Covid 19 . Plans are afoot to get all my family members and close associates tested as well “

South Africa has a new variant of the virus that is spreading faster.

The country recorded 15,046 new cases and 416 deaths, bringing the total cases to 1,246,643 and deaths to 33,579.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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