Coronavirus disease

By Naadiya Adams

According to the latest statistics, of the 8881 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, 5111 of them are in Gauteng alone.

Gauteng accounts for 58% of infections reported in the last 24-hour cycle and also makes up the highest percentage of infections currently active in the country with 28.3 % of those infected being in Gauteng.

Out of the 8 881 new #Covid19 cases
5 111 are in Gauteng. pic.twitter.com/Y7R1p40ATb

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) June 9, 2021

Gauteng has been the driving force of the latest resurgence in Covid-19 infections, earlier this week it was reported that over 3000 people were being treated in hospital for Covid-19 in both the public and private sectors in the province, that number is rising fast with 587 new admissions in the last 24 hours. Residents are urged to strictly adhere to hygiene protocols.

There was an increase of 1 150 admissions in the past 24-hours, the largest increase being in Gauteng province with 587 new admissions. There were 135 additional in-hospital deaths reported in the past 24 hours.#Covid19

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) June 9, 2021

Gauteng Premier David Makhura said in an update on Covid-19 response on Friday that there is no evidence of better compliance from residents on the COVID-19 protocols.

“These messages are not getting out there that the pandemic is everywhere. We are not picking up the reports of infections including family-level infections. Those reports are coming from almost every part of the province. It is winter, we are very concerned it is winter and it is cold. It’s worse when there is an inadequate supply of power and electricity.”

Many provinces are experiencing a resurgence at this time.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Dr Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Health on special leave while the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) investigates corruption allegations within the health department.

“This period of special leave will enable the minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider – Digital Vibes,” the presidency said in a statement.

Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will serve as acting minister of health until further notice.

At least 1,5 million South Africans have received their first dose of either the Pfizer Biontech or Sisonke vaccine to date.