South Africa's health minister and wife test positive

Zweli Mkhize, the health minister of South Africa, and his wife Dr May Mkhize have tested positive for coronavirus, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

Mkhize was tested on Saturday after he started showing mild symptoms while his wife had a cough, was dizzy and feeling exhausted.

The minister is now in quarantine at home while his wife is in hospital for observation.

"I will use this quarantine period to rest and recharge because our task to improve the health services of our country and the lives our people post-coronavirus remains of paramount importance," Mkhize said.

He said they have informed their close contacts such as family members and some Health Ministry team members and advised them to immediately isolate in their homes and be tested.

"I wish to take this opportunity to urge all South Africans to continue adhering to health protocols. I want to beg that we do not neglect wearing masks, social distancing and washing or sanitizing our hands," he said.

South Africa, the most affected country in the continent, had reported 702,131 infection cases and 18,408 deaths as of October 18.