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Mpumalanga’s Covid-19 command center was closed after one of the officials tested positive for the coronavirus.
The center, which comprises politicians, officials and members of the police, the state security agency and the army, was closed on Wednesday.
Regular participants at the center include Prime Minister Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Director General Sindi Xulu, and the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Mondli Zuma.
Mtshweni-Tsipane, according to a statement from his office, tested negative after all members underwent tests on Thursday.
People should not be afraid to test when they have symptoms or have been in contact with someone infected.
Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni
City Press was reliably told that the infected officer worked at one of the police agencies.
“The virtual meetings only started on Wednesday,” said one of the officials.
Mtshweni-Tsipane spokesman Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni said all officials who attended meetings at the provincial disaster management center in Mbombela were immediately evaluated and ordered to isolate themselves pending their results.
“The prime minister and the DG also carried out the tests and their results were negative,” said Mkani-Mpolweni.
He added that a trace was made of all the people who came into contact with the affected official and that the tests were underway.
Mtshweni-Tsipane said: “We are determined to make sure that all of our officials are safe, hence the decision to temporarily close the command center due to intensive spraying.”
He encouraged the public not to resist Covid-19 testing.
“When I took the exam, I was nervous, but it was short, convenient, and less painful. The doctor made sure he was relaxed and took the samples.
“Therefore, you should not be afraid of testing when you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone infected,” said Mtshweni-Tsipane.
The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in South Africa was 12,739 on Thursday. Mpumalanga had 67. The total number of deaths was 238, while 5,676 people recovered.