​Thembisa Shologu 
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has warned residents that the country's move to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 does not mean the pandemic is over. 
Briefing the media on Friday, 25 September 2020, Makhura said people must continue to adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions as a new normal way of living to avoid the pandemic resurging. 
"Let us continue wearing masks whenever we are in public and visiting families, wash our hands regularly with soap and water, or use an alcohol based sanitiser and maintain a physical distance of 1,5 metres from other people," said Makhura.  
He said the province could not afford a COVID -19 resurgence because of the negative impact on the economy.
"The relaxation of restrictions on economic, religious gatherings and social activity means that more people will be moving around and engaging with each other. The risk of the transmission of COVID-19 from person to person remains high.
"As there is still no vaccine, the only way we can contain the spread of COVID-19 is through non-pharmaceutical interventions," said Makhura. 
He said the number of new confirmed COVID-19 positive cases continue to decrease indicating that the Gauteng government was making progress in the fight against the pandemic.
"The fight against Covid-19 is far from over, we all have to play our part to protect ourselves and those around us.
"The highest number of hospital admissions was recorded in the middle of July. The highest recorded daily new admissions were over 320 with the total number of admitted patients being 7 193 and 1 863 patients on oxygen on 22 July," said the Premier. 
Meanwhile, Premier Makhura in September, 22, received a progress report from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on the ongoing investigation into any irregularities in the procurement of goods and services related to the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Gauteng province.
Makhura reiterated his stance that all those involved in COVID-19 corruption and malfeasance - whether they are public officials, public servants or businesspeople - must be brought to justice.