Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng MEC for Health, Dr Bandile Masuku has warned the public to refrain from gathering as the number of active cases increase in the province.
"There is a blatant disregard of regulations by the public. We want to discourage this, as the virus is upon us and it is all our responsibility to slow down the rate of the spread of the virus."
Addressing the media during the weekly Provincial Command Council, Dr Masuku painted an alarming picture with Gauteng recording more positive cases in the past four days. Gauteng now has 38% of the active cases. 
As of 25 June, the province recorded 26,156 positive cases, with 6 627 recoveries and 147 deaths.
"Gauteng is the highest in terms of active cases (20, 153). We are worried about this as our recoveries are slowing down. They are only 10% of the country," Masuku said.
Masuku showed in a presentation that during level 4 lockdown (1 to 30 May) cases recorded were 2 557 with 1 166 recoveries and 22 deaths but presently during level 3 lockdown 22 123 cases were recorded, with 4 513 recoveries and 80 deaths.
Masuku said the surge was expected, especially with the change in levels of lockdown. 
"The virus will spread with increased activity, therefore as a society we need to limit unnecessary activity. We see people organising parties that is something we discourage," he said.
The MEC cautioned the public to limit the spread of the virus by following health protocols of avoiding physical contact and adhering to lockdown regulations as there is still no cure.
"We remain concerned about cluster outbreaks at gatherings such as funerals and are appealing to communities to remain extra cautious when organising and attending such gatherings," he added.