Deputy President David Mabuza has urged all citizens to stop the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) to minimise the disruption the virus is causing the country.

Mabuza tested negative for the virus after being in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.

“The South African National Defence Force and the Office of the Deputy President have resolved that it is in the public interest to assure all South Africans that the Deputy President tested negative for Covid-19,” said the Presidency in a statement.

He urged South Africans to adhere to the regulations that have been prescribed by health experts as well as lockdown regulations.

“We must stand united as a nation as we confront this challenge, and are called upon to support all those infected and affected by this pandemic,” said Mabuza.

Last week during the commemoration of World TB Day, Mabuza met with traditional leaders and called on them and all South Africans to test should they experience symptoms associated with this novel virus.

He also urged citizens to get tested should they experience symptoms associated with this novel virus.

“This includes instances where they may have recently travelled to an area with ongoing spread of the virus, or if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19,” he explained.

Mabuza said he will continue to take necessary precautions during this time, where the world and the country was doing all that was necessary to flatten the curve.