Covid-19: Joburg tops number of Covid-19 cases in Gauteng and SA

Johannesburg is leading the number of Covid-19 positive cases in Gauteng with 440.
“Gauteng is the epicentre of this virus in South Africa, contributing 42 per cent of the national numbers. And Johannesburg is the epicentre in Gauteng,” said Gauteng Premier David Makhura.

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The premier announced at the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Command Council briefing that as of April 8 they will provide a breakdown of statistics for positive cases for each of its five districts.

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“These will be based on the national statistics released daily by national government. Today’s numbers are thus based on April 8,” said Makhura.
Johannesburg is followed by Ekurhuleni with 111, Tshwane with 90, West Rand with 12 and Sedibeng with six positive cases.
The number of unallocated cases is 123.
Makhura said as the province is the epicentre of the virus, the provincial government upscaled community screening and testing.

Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku explained that the screening process considers a person’s history and exposure to the virus, where a person shows symptoms including dry cough, sore throat, fever and an examination including temperature reading.
Masuku said screening results will determine whether a person is tested.

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A total of 26 841 people have been screened in Gauteng since March 31 with 440 displaying symptoms. They were referred for testing.
The screening and testing campaign was launched in Alexandra where 1 693 people were screened, 201 were tested and one was found to be positive.
“That person is under quarantine,” said Masuku.
The campaign targets areas where there is high density of contacts (suburb or township) and areas of high vulnerability.
“Good news is that we trained 8 005 community health care workers and 607 health professionals working together in tracing contacts for screening and testing,” said Makhura.

Makhura said Gauteng has adequate supplies of personal protective equipment for health workers. “We will continue to procure more to meet ongoing demand.”
“As we continue to create capacity, we have successfully decanted Tshwane District Hospital to become a Covid-19 facility. The hospital has 240 beds and is ready for usage,” Masuku announced.

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Education
The premier addressed the provincial government’s concern about the incidents of vandalism, arson and break-ins at public schools.
“Since the schools closed, 22 public schools have been vandalised or burnt. This is very concerning.”
He urged school learners to continue working independently at home under the supervision of parents and caregivers.
“With the use of digital platforms and broadcast media, government has ensured that learners remain meaningfully engaged during the lockdown period.”
Gauteng MEC for Education and Youth Development Panyaza Lesufi said: “We are escalating our work through online education and providing lesson plans.”

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Economy
Makhura said it is common outcome that Covid-19 will have a devastating impact on the global economy and it will also be felt in SA’s economy.
“The province is working with the national government and social partners to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on the economy. There are new economic opportunities that will be created, and we will fully exploit them as we explore measures to mitigate the negative impact.”
Lesufi reminded Gauteng residents that those who are aware of vulnerable persons including senior citizens, children and the homeless may email support@gauteng.gov.za to request assistance.

Watch the full briefing here.

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