​Qaqambile Mdledle
The Gauteng Department of Health is calling on all residents to be more vigilant and adhere to COVID-19 safety measures such as maintaining a safe physical distance, wearing a mask, washing hands regularly with soap or using sanitiser and avoiding large gatherings.
Above all these, the department called on all eligible persons to vaccinate.
"The first and most powerful, tool we have against the new variant is vaccination. Vaccination is by far the most important way to protect yourself and those around you against the Omicron variant," said Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi.
For the past week, Gauteng accounts for 72% - 80 % of new daily infections in South Africa.
The rapid rise in new infections coincides with the identification of a new variant of concern, Omicron.
"It is important for those who are unvaccinated to get their jabs to protect themselves from severe illness, hospitalisation or death in the event that they contract the coronavirus.
"When more people are vaccinated, fewer people will require hospitalisation and the pressure on the health care system will lessen."
Mokgethi further reminded those who received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine to return for the second dose in 42 days. 
All Gauteng sites both private and public accept walk-ins whether people are registered on the EVDS or not.
Mokgethi said we all have a choice to get vaccinated and avoid stricter restrictions so that businesses stay open as normal. At least 70% of the adult population must be vaccinated by mid-December.
Vaccination, the MEC said will also help us return to the things we love such as attending sporting, cultural, religious and entertainment events of our choice safely.
The Gauteng government is ramping up its vaccination drive targeting schools to reach learners aged 12 and older, their family members, school staff and community members that are not yet fully vaccinated.
Mobile vaccination sites have been allocated to more than 40 schools across the five districts in the province.
The school community's vaccination programme will help bridge the healthcare access inequality by using schools as vaccination sites in areas with low vaccine uptake
Mokgethi urged parents, caregivers and legal guardians to sign consent forms, available at schools if a learner will be vaccinated at a school site. 
"Families are also encouraged to have open discussions with their children about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, to help them make informed health choices," she said.
A total of 7 183 237 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in the province as at 05 December 2021, with a total of 3 830 604 individuals fully vaccinated.