‘Difficult’ to say when Covid-19 cases in Gauteng will drop, says dept

The Gauteng Department of Health said it was “difficult” to predict when Covid-19 cases in the province will drop.

“All five districts in the province are facing sharp increases,” said Gauteng health MEC spokesperson Kwara Kekana.

The districts most affected recently were Johannesburg with 7 453 new cases, Tshwane with 6 037 cases and Ekurhuleni with 3 622 cases.

She said Sedibeng had an increase of 862 cases, while the West Rand had 473 new cases.

Kekana said there were several reasons why the department could not predict when the third wave ripple would subside.

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— Johan Fourie (@JohanFourieZA) June 29, 2021

Kekana said the health department was, however, seeing a dangerously high increase in the number of daily Covid-19 cases.

She said the sharp increase was mainly due to the Delta variant’s high infection rate.

Kekana said the Gauteng health system was currently still under strain, with the Department of Health doing all it can to flatten the infection curve.

This included hiring more doctors and nurses.

“NGOs and their staff are also assisting on the ground as well as the South African National Defense Force.”

She said further her department was working with law enforcement authorities to contain the spread of the virus.

“We will continue to inform the public about not making non-essential travels in and outside the province as advised by the president on Sunday night.

“The department will also be working with law enforcement agencies to enforce the travel restriction rules announced by the president.”

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— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) June 24, 2021

The department would intensify screening of the population, especially in hotspots and congregated settings.

“We shall continue to quarantine and test symptomatic contacts, to self-isolate those who test positive, provide adequate and appropriate PPEs for our healthcare workers, monitor hotspots and assist law enforcement agencies to make sure lockdown regulations are strictly adhered to.”

They were also preparing to vaccinate other groups besides teachers and those above 60.

“We are duly awaiting instructions and guidance from the national Department of Health.”

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— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021

President #Ramaphosa: Measures to protect yourself and others:
•Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
•Keep a safe distance from others
•Stay away from closed or crowded spaces
•Wash your hands regularly
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— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 27, 2021

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