According to reports, South Africa’s “Patient Zero” – the first person who tested positive for the coronavirus (Covid-19) – and three others have now tested negative and have been sent home.
As reported by News 24’s Kaveel Singh, a fifth person, the wife of “Patient Zero”, was also sent home because she was asymptomatic.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu announced the news to members of the media at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel on Monday, where the government met with religious organisations.
“He (‘Patient Zero’) is out of the hospital and is free of the virus. He has no symptoms anymore and he has tested negative on two different occasions,” she said.
Simelane-Zulu mentioned that two patients in Addington Hospital were released on Saturday.
“They were tested twice, and on both occasions, tested negative. The wife of patient zero has also gone home.”
She reportedly said that while the wife was not part of those who officially tested negative, she was sent home because she was asymptomatic. Simelane-Zulu added that a patient at a private facility was also discharged.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to make an announcement Monday evening on strict government measures to curb the spread of the virus.
