David Makhura

Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
Photo: Twitter/@David_Makhura

Makhura calls for tighter lockdown restrictions as Gauteng enters third wave

Here we go Jozi, the Gauteng premier has called for harsher lockdown restrictions. This after COVID-19 cases recently spiked in the province.

David Makhura

Gauteng Premier David Makhura.
Photo: Twitter/@David_Makhura

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has called for harsher or increased lockdown restrictions following a spike in COVID-19 infections this week. The spike was so significant that it has propelled the province into its third wave, making it the second province to do so. 

The Free State has already reached its third wave and it’s looking like the Northern Cape will follow suit. 

GAUTENG OFFICIALLY IN ITS THIRD WAVE

On Friday morning, shortly after his visit to the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital in Carletonville, Makhura said that since the start of this week, the number of cases in the province doubled.  

“As Gauteng, we have now arrived at the third wave. Stay Safe. Protect yourself and those around,” he said. 

“It’s only when we deal with the containment of COVID19 will we be able to reignite the Gauteng Economy,” he added. 

As of Thursday 13 May, Gauteng recorded its total number of COVID-19 cases at 431 598. While there have been 414 055 recoveries in the province thus far, they are faced with 6 712 active cases which may mean added lockdown restrictions are on the cards.

MAKHURA CALLS FOR INCREASED LOCKDOWN RESTRICTIONS 

Makhura went on to say that the Gauteng government wants to see increased lockdown restrictions to contain the third wave and the further spread of COVID-19. 

“We want to see increased restrictions in Gauteng. The number of people getting infected is too high. The situation is not normal and requires us to respond effectively,” he said. 

In the meantime, a family meeting may be brewing. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the National coronavirus Command Council will meet and thereafter an address from President Cyril Ramaphosa may take place. Looks like Makhura isn’t the only one who thinks an increase in lockdown restrictions is the way to go.

“A difficult time is coming. President Cyril Ramaphosa might address the nation following next week’s meeting, or he may not. The numbers are increasing, so we are formulating a strong response to it,” said Mkhize. 

“We are going to look at additional restrictions. That’s up for discussion for the National Coronavirus Command Council. We are going to recommend that there should be a more focus on the size of the gatherings and look at the focus of the measures released when we thought the situation is more improved. When numbers rise, we increase restrictions,” he added.