South Africa
#Covid19 not found in breastmilk - Mkhize─── 16:23 Tue, 04 Aug 2020
Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, has encouraged mothers who have tested positive for Covid-19 to continue breastfeeding.
Mkhize launched the South African leg of the World Breastfeeding Week campaign on Tuesday.
"I can assure you that the Covid-19 virus has not been found in breastmilk and research evidence has shown that the virus is not transmitted through breastmilk or by giving breastmilk that has been expressed from a mother who is confirmed or suspected to have Covid-19.
"Academic experts in South Africa have established a pregnancy register to evaluate potential harm to pregnant women or their babies caused by the Covid-19 infection," added Mkhize.
He said mothers who are Covid-19 positive must continue to breastfeed, provided they follow hygiene recommendations such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and sanitising surfaces.
