​Qaqambile Mdledle
There has been a concerning increase in the number of new infections across the province in past two weeks.  
According to Gauteng Premier's Advisory Committee chair, Dr Mary Kawonga the new COVID-19 cases are doubling every 10 days in Gauteng and cases have increased by over 60% compared to a week ago.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gauteng as at 19 May are at 437 872 recoveries and 10948. Out of 312 691 contacts traced are ones who were in contact with positive people. 
Regionally, Johannesburg remains the hardest-hit place though in terms of active cases, Tshwane leads and there is a spike in new numbers in Emfuleni region.
"Gauteng is the most popular province and has some of the most densely populated areas, this means infection rates can spread quite rapidly. It is also the economic and transport hub which means there's a lot of movement into and out of the province and this could easily spread to neighbouring provinces and across the rest of the country," said Dr Kawonga.
Last week, Premier David Makhura announced the province had officially entered the third wave as the Emfuleni region in the Vaal saw a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases. 
Makhura urged Gauteng residents to observe all COVID-19 protocols and avoid large gatherings.
"Don't think you can go to a party on the basis that you got COVID-19 earlier and you won't get it again," said Premier Makhura.
 He said the province could not afford to shut down the economy and encouraged residents to exercise extra vigilance.