Gauteng Gov. Urges Residents to Vaccinate Ahead of COVID-19 Fifth Wave

The Gauteng Provincial Government has urged residents to get vaccinated ahead of a possible fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla on Friday warned that the COVID-19 fifth wave is likely to hit South Africa in winter or earlier, depending on the variants of concern.

The Gauteng government said residents who are eligible should get vaccinated.

“The easing of restrictions means that more people are socialising and therefore the risk of transmissions remains high. It is important to remember that we all have a role to play to minimise the spread of COVID-19.”

As the Gauteng Provincial Government rolls-out the school communities vaccination programme, the health department has also encouraged parents, caregivers and legal guardians to sign and return the consent forms permitting 12-17 year-olds to be vaccinated in schools.