A spike of Covid-19 cases is expected in Gauteng in the coming weeks. This anticipation comes as more people will be returning to the province following December holidays. CSIR Senior Researcher, Dr Ridhwaan Suliman outlined this on Sunday.
Dr Suliman said that in the past week, there have been more than 9,500 new hospital admissions due to Covid-19.
“In Gauteng, the increase in hospitalization has been 44% in compared to the previous week and it is certainly something to look out for as the rise is quite rapid and following the rapid rise we have seen in cases,” he said.
This is a shocking statistic as more people continue to test positive and many people are expected to return to Gauteng this week. However, the provincial department said that it is prepared. Dr Suliman also said that despite the stats, there is no need to panic at the moment.
He has reiterated the government’s message, that we now need to work together as a community more than ever to limit the spread of the virus. Meanwhile the University of Witwatersrand scientist Professor Bruce Mellado added and said that vacationers from other provinces will have an impact on new infections.
“People that will come back from vacation from other provinces that would be carrying the virus, will be significantly larger than the numbers in the province. And that basically create what people would refer to as a spike, and without a doubt that is a very serious concern.” he added.
