President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday and is being treated for minor symptoms, according to the administration.
Ramaphosa, who has been properly vaccinated, became ill after attending a state memorial service for former President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier in the day, but he was in high spirits and was being watched by physicians, according to the statement.
Last month, the highly altered Omicron form was discovered in South Africa, causing widespread concern that it was more contagious than other versions.
For the time being, Ramaphosa will remain in self-imposed exile in Cape Town, delegating all responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza for the next week.
The president and the entire South African group were tested for Covid-19 during a recent tour to four West African countries, according to the statement.
