Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says they are worried that Gauteng will be hit by the biggest wave of COVID-19 infections as soon as next week.
Mkhize was providing details of the restrictions of the adjusted level 3 lockdown.
“We are worried that in the next week the wave is going to be the biggest in Gauteng and that is a matter of concern for us. We are increasing the testing so that people can be separated quickly as to whether they have COVID or not, but people must come and seek assistance so that we can detect early and help to prevent the spread of the infections,” Mkhize told the media.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the move was part of efforts to slow down the rate of transmissions and reduce the burden on the country’s health services.
Mkhize says hospitals are under pressure, but are coping at this stage.
“The hospitals are not able to cater for all the people that come through, people must come and seek assistance so that we can detect early and help to prevent the spread and complications of the infection.”
South Africa has recorded 7 458 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of cases to date to 1 011 871.
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Addressing the nation last night, Ramaphosa identified KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape as leading the new cases.
Limpopo is also seeing a significant increase in infections.
In this video below, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s addresses the nation:
To curb the spread of the virus, President Ramaphosa said those who do not wear masks will be punished.
“From now on, it is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space. A person who does not wear a cloth mask covering over the nose and mouth in a public place will be committing an offence. A person who does not wear a mask could be arrested and prosecuted. On conviction, they will be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.”
More areas have also been declared hotspots. “In the Western Cape, the West Coast District, Overberg District, Winelands District, Cape Town, Central Karoo District are hotspots. This is in addition to the Garden Route District.”
