Gauteng is now South Africa’s coronavirus epicentre as new cases surge in these areas
Gauteng has become the epicentre of the coronavirus in South Africa following a surge of cases in recent weeks.
Data published by health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize shows that of the 224,665 total reported cases in the country, Gauteng accounts for just over a third at 33.4% (75,015).
53,000 of these cases are currently active, with around 3,000 people recovering in hospitals around the province.
Gauteng reported 3,527 new cases over a 24-hour period on Wednesday, with the country as a whole reporting a total of 8,810 new cases.
The Western Cape now trails Gauteng, accounting for 73,292 cases (32.6%).
| Province | Cases | Percentage total |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 75 015 | 33.4 |
| Western Cape | 73 292 | 32.6 |
| Eastern Cape | 42 357 | 18.9 |
| KZN | 17 962 | 8.0 |
| North West | 7 147 | 3.2 |
| Free State | 3 259 | 1.5 |
| Mpumalanga | 2 528 | 1.1 |
| Limpopo | 2 131 | 0.9 |
| Northern Cape | 974 | 0.4 |
| Total | 224 665 | 100 |
The latest data from the Gauteng provincial government shows that the City of Johannesburg has reported the most number of cases (33,750) followed by the City of Ekurhuleni (15,807)
The province has warned of a ‘surge’ in cases over the past few weeks, with some senior officials indicating that stronger lockdown restrictions could be imposed.
The sub-district with has reported the most cases is CoJ D, which comprises of Doornkop, Soweto, Dobsonville and Protea Glen.
It is followed by CoJ D, which comprises of Doornkop, Soweto, Dobsonville and Protea Glen.
Lack of beds
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (8 July) Mkhize said South Africa’s rate of coronavirus infections are largely in line with existing models and that the country is likely to see a ‘peak’ in the coming months.
“Current model projections indicate that while the epidemic is predicted to peak nationally at a similar time to the previously projected ‘optimistic’ curve (that is mid-August), it will do so at a lower level,” he said.
“Fewer people were infected in May and June than was previously predicted.”
However, Dr Mkhize cautioned that bed capacity is still projected to be overwhelmed in all provinces. He cited specific issues with the number of ICU beds in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
“Bed capacity, including all currently committed public and private-sector beds is expected to be breached in the next four weeks.”
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