​Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng has recorded about 1756 new COVID-19 cases, while 5 163 have been hospitalised in the past 24 hours. 
Despite the decrease in active cases and hospital admissions, facilities continue to monitor the situation.
Gauteng was an epicentre for the COVID-19 third wave, the province has seen a downward trend since mid-July.
Gauteng Health said the total number of confirmed active COVID-19 cases in the province as of 18 August, stood at 892 734.
This has more than 861 481 people who have recovered from the virus, while more than 18 269 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 2 494 253 vaccines have been administered in the province as of 18 August 2021.
The province has expanded vaccination drive across the province, to ensure residents of Gauteng are not left out. 
 From today, government has opened vaccination for persons 18 and older.
Premier David Makhura has appealed to the youth to register for vaccination.
"We need the youth to vaccinate not so they can go and party. They should vaccinate so that they are safe and live longer," he said.
The Gauteng province is allowing walk-ins at vaccination sites for people to be vaccinated, regardless of whether they have been registered on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) system or not. END​