South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has tested positive for Covid-19.
His office confirmed the development in a late-night media statement on Wednesday, saying the minister is “in good spirits and currently in self-isolation.”
The statement further urged those who may have recently been in contact with Tau to take precautionary measures and consider getting tested.
As a result of his diagnosis, Tau will be unable to attend the South Africa-Kenya Bilateral Business Forum scheduled to take place in Midrand on Thursday. The forum is expected to bring together business leaders and senior government officials to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
The event will be addressed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto.
Tau recently returned from an international visit to the Netherlands, where he participated in the World Hydrogen Summit in May.
The announcement serves as a reminder that Covid-19 remains present, despite the lifting of most pandemic-era restrictions. South Africa was among the countries severely affected during the height of the pandemic, with thousands of lives lost and prolonged lockdown measures imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
Health authorities continue to encourage individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice, get tested where necessary, and follow recommended health precautions to prevent transmission.
