Ramaphosa tests negative for coronavirus
President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested negative for COVID-19 amid the outbreak of the virus in the country.
The president underwent testing days after he declared a 21-day lockdown, set to come into effect at midnight on Thursday.
As of Wednesday, South Africa had a total of 709 coronavirus cases.
Spokesperson in the Presidency, Khusela Diko, says the president remains in good health.
"The President submitted for testing as a precautionary measure upon the advice of his physicians on Tuesday, 24 March 2020 and received his results last night (Wednesday night)," says Diko.
In line with international guidelines, as well as those of the national Department of Health, testing is recommended if you experience symptoms, if you live in or recently travelled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19 or if you have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.
Ramaphosa was advised to go for testing following rigorous public engagements scheduled over the past few weeks during which he held numerous meetings with a wide cross section of people from all walks of life.
"The Presidency has deemed it necessary to make the test results public to reassure the nation that the President is in good health and continues with his duties," concluded Diko.