NYAKALLO TEFU
PREMIER David Makhura says he is deeply concerned that the first wave of the coronavirus is still infecting masses of people in Gauteng, with at least 758 new cases recorded per day.
Makhura was speaking during a weekly media update on COVID-19 pandemic following a meeting of the Gauteng Provincial Command Council this week.
“Over the past seven days, the number of new cases has doubled. Hospital admissions are increasing. Twenty more people have succumbed to COVID-19. The pandemic is gaining momentum. We must face this reality head-on and mobilise all resources and energy to save lives,” said Makhura.
The province has over 7,000 COVID-19 infections with 57 deaths.
Makhura said so far 7.4 million people have been screened in the province while 338 211 have been tested.
He said he was particularly concerned by the infection rate in the City of Johannesburg and the City of Tshwane metros.
City of Johannesburg is currently on 3 906 confirmed cases while City of Tshwane has recorded 1 071 cases.
Makhura said since Level 3 lockdown, the number of trauma cases have also increased, adding that as the flu season approaches, the number of people needing healthcare will increase dramatically.
“The province has embarked on a massive flu immunisation programme targeting pregnant women, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses and health workers”, said Makhura.
Since March, 335 Gauteng public servants have tested positive for coronavirus after the province tested 172 113 workers, including public health workers and school teachers.
“Like all other patients, affected staff and their family members are receiving care and treatment in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols”, said Makhura.
Makhura said he was looking forward to a meeting with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize next week to ask for reinforcements and further support in order to strengthen response.
(Compiled by Inside Education staff)
