George Herald

Bitou mayor caught in his own Covid ‘prophesy’

- Yolande Stander

Just days before Bitou Mayor Peter Lobese tested positive for Covid-19 he warned residents that "it can catch anyone".

"It was very prophetic because those words have actually come true," Lobese said.

The town's first citizen tested positive for Covid-19 last week after falling ill on 25 June. "I had a terrible flu and decided to visit my doctor. I was taken for a Covid-19 test and ordered to isolate until I receive my results. I did as ordered by the doctor and withdrew myself from all my responsibi­lities while retreating to the comfort of my room at home," he recounted.

He said he never showed any symptoms until he came down with what he believed at first was the flu, and needed to go to

He will now try hard to fight the virus and will remain in quarantine to ensure that he doesn't spread the virus further.

Lobese pleaded with residents to obey the regulation­s and to commit to the hygiene and health standards laid down by authoritie­s. "Please treat everyone else as being possibly infected by the virus."

He reiterated the importance of wearing masks when leaving the house, regularly washing one's hands with soap and water, maintainin­g social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and avoiding making physical contact with others.

"I repeat that we must all be vigilant in this fight. The sooner we realise that the coronaviru­s does not care about race, class, position of power nor area of residence, the better. Please try your best to stay safe."

Be vigilant about your own health as it can save your life and that of those close to you.

 ??  ?? Bitou mayor Peter Lobese
Bitou mayor Peter Lobese

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