Gauteng Premier David Makhura says “one in three people in the province is likely to be carrying Covid-19”.
“It’s scary,” said Makhura, who mooted tighter restrictions when he addressed the press on Thursday.
Rising Covid-19-related hospitalisations in Gauteng have resulted in pressure to re-open the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, which caught alight and was subsequently closed.
The fire broke out at the Special Dispensary Stores and spread to various sections of the parking lot on 16 April. The CMJAH building suffered significant damage.
On Thursday, Makhura said some parts of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital would be opened immediately.
The premier said the oncology department had been completely re-done and was now operational.
Earlier this week, Makhura welcomed military medics to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where they are assisting to deal with the Covid-19 surge.
The latest daily death count from Covid-19 in South Africa was recorded at 166, bringing the total so far to just under 60 000.
New infections have spiked to around 17 000 a day.
Makhura warned that more than 60 percent of the new confirmed Covid-19 cases were in Gauteng.
He implored everyone to take care and follow the laid down preventative protocols that include wearing a mask, regular handwashing with soap or using sanitiser, and observing social distance. “Slowing the pandemic is in our hands,” said Makhura.
Meanwhile, 2,3 million people have received Covid-19 jabs.
Makhura said from next week 50 to 59-year-olds will start getting vaccinated. He said vaccinations will also open for law enforcement officers as of 1 July.
