The Gauteng Department of Health has reported a steady decline in Covid-19 new positive infections, since peaking in June and mid-July.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura said this is due to behavioral change practiced by the residents.
“The province witnessed significant gains on wearing of masks, hand washing and adherence to social distancing. Gauteng residents should not be complacent. Experts provided a scientific evidence showing that, there was general adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI’s) which led to the decline of new positive cases. Decreasing number of new positive cases, COVID-19 related hospital admissions and increase in recoveries are a sign that there is a good progress in the fight against the pandemic”, Makhura added.
According to Professor Bruce Mellado, Gauteng has been able to handle a surge under the current levels of lockdown. However, possibility of new surges still remains.
Premier’s Advisory Committee (PAC) chairperson Dr Mary Kawonga mentioned that although the decline is encouraging, the province is still going through the COVID-19 storm and should remain vigilant.
“We should not let our guards down then let science to continuewatching over the pandemic. Science is important as it guides on how and where we target our public health and social interventions at the ward-based level. This is to protect areas with high vulnerable density index, the areas where people are least likely to practice social distancing. We should continue to review and strengthen our public health capacity,” said Kawonga.
Head of Paediatrics and Child Health at Wits University, Professor Mphelekedzeni Mulaudzi advised that areas of focus will strengthen the capacity to reduce transmissions, provide care and reduce deaths.
“This will be done by providing care at primary level, as well as protecting health care workers against acquiring COVID-19. Rethinking of existing infrastructure plans and redistributing resources to meet the clinical demands will also be provided.Community mobilisation is essential for supporting the adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions. NPI’s have also led to the prevention of many other diseases, including the reduction of influenza cases during the winter season”, said Mulaudzi.
