Coronavirus: Johannesburg mayor goes into isolation

The mayor of South Africa's biggest city, Johannesburg, has gone into self-isolation after a member of his staff tested positive for Coronavirus.

A statement from Mayor Geoffrey Makhubo's office said he was taking the precautionary measure until the results of his test are known.

He had previously returned a negative test.

All staff at his office have also undergone tests after the latest case.

"The mayor will continue to monitor and provide guidance on work currently being carried out to contain and manage the spread of Covid-19 in the city whilst in self-isolation," the statement by his spokesperson said.

South Africa has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the continent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday urged South Africans not to be scared by the rising numbers after the country recorded more than half of the current total number of cases in the last two weeks.

Schools in South Africa have begun gradually reopening with grade 7 and 12 learners returning to classes on Monday. Places of worship have re-opened but with strict guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.