Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier, David Makhura has hailed the suspension of the sale of alcohol in the country and said the suspension brought a welcomed relief on the number of trauma cases the healthcare system was dealing with. Makhura added that since the ban came into effect, the as the province had noted a significant decline in the number of trauma cases in all its hospitals
The decision was taken to avoid burdening clinics and hospitals with alcohol-related trauma cases that could have been avoided.
As ​of 29 July, a  total of 5, 476 COVID-19 patients were admitted to Gauteng public hospitals with 1889  in intensive care (ICU) and high care units, while 3 587 had been admitted to general wards.
Makhura added that although the healthcare facilities across Gauteng are under pressure due to COVID-19, the Gauteng healthcare system was still coping.
Makhura added that, while COVID-19 related hospital admissions  were increasing rapidly, the facilities could still accommodate more COVID-19 patients and  and plans were afoot to increase bed capacity in all healthcare facilities across Gauteng.
There are currently 9 576 hospitals beds available for COVID-19 patients in both public and private hospitals, and an additional h 1 575 beds will be made available by the end of August.
Makhura took the opportunity to warn communities that this is no time to be complacent but Gauteng residents should continue following regulations as the province is still in the midst of the storm which is expected to  peak in August. ​