Hilton couple that contracted COVID-19 discharged from hospital
The Hilton couple who had contracted the novel coronavirus have been given the all clear, and are back home after nearly two weeks in hospital.
The 38-year-old man, who is known as 'Patient Zero', was the country's first confirmed case of COVID-19. His wife tested positive a few days later.
The pair had been among a group of ten people that had gone on a ski trip to Italy and returned at the beginning of this month.
Several other members of the group were also infected.
Earlier this month, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the group had not displayed symptoms when they landed back in the country.
'Patient Zero' developed symptoms a few days later and consulted his doctor who took swabs and sent them to a laboratory.
READ: Zimbabwe reports first coronavirus case
He self-isolated while waiting for the results. When the test results came back positive, the Health Department had him moved into quarantine at one of the state hospitals designated to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Spokesperson in the Premier's Office, Lennox Mabaso says the news of the couple's discharge from hospital should give public hope. "Indeed, the Premier believes that we will conquer this virus if we respond positively and heed all the messages that have been passed. This is inspiring news."
The Health Department says the number of COVID-19 cases in the country stands at 240, with the Free State and the Eastern Cape reporting their first cases.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says over 7 000 tests have been conducted.
The 24-hour hotline number for coronavirus related queries is 0800 029 999.
