South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, is receiving treatment for mild symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, December 12.

The 69-year-old, who is fully vaccinated, made complaints of feeling unwell after leaving a state memorial service held for former Deputy President FW de Klerk, according to a statement from the South African presidency.

COVID-19 cases have soared in the African nation since the detection of the Omicron variant on November 19. Reports from the local media assert that the new strain has superseded the recent Delta strain of transmission in the country.

Ramsphosa, who recently returned from a four-nation tour of Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Senegal in West Africa, had tested negative on return to South Africa, according to a statement from his office.

Just last week the President, by way of a letter, urged vigilance and implored citizens to take the jab as the country experiences their highest rate of infections since the pandemic.

Ramaphosa is currently self-isolating and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service, the statement said. He has delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.