​Rofhiwa Marubini-Tshitahe
While there has been further relaxation of restrictions which has opened up more events and gatherings, the Gauteng Provincial Government warns that COVID-19 is still in our midst.
"Let us protect ourselves, our families and our communities by encouraging them to get vaccinated and continue adhering to non-pharmaceutical measures," the provincial government said, adding that people should continue wearing a mask when in public indoor spaces.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of several restrictions as part of Adjusted Alert Level 1. 
The new regulations mean that both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50 percent of their capacity provided that the criteria for entrance are proof of vaccination or a COVID test not older than 72 hours.
Where there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a COVID test, then the current upper limit will remain – of 1 000 people indoors and 2 000 people outdoors.
The restrictions on gatherings will be of great benefit to the sporting, cultural, entertainment and events industries, in particular. 
Although infections and deaths currently remain low, the province said COVID-19 remains a threat to everyone, especially persons with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung conditions, and asthma amongst others and unvaccinated individuals. 
"Everyone, including young people, are at risk of severe illness and hospitalisation should they contract the coronavirus, therefore young people are encouraged to get vaccinated."
Of the 6,4 million young people in Gauteng between the ages of 12-35, only 2,1 million have been vaccinated. 
To ramp up the vaccination programme for young people in the province, government continues to roll out the school communities vaccination programme targeting teenagers aged between 12 and 17 years in schools. 
Government is urging parents, caregivers, and legal guardians to have open discussions with their children about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to help them make informed health choices.
As at 28 March 2022, over 9.4 million vaccines have been administered, with 5.5 million people receiving one dose of either J&J or Pfizer and 4.7 million people have been fully vaccinated in Gauteng.