Premier, Job Mokgoro, says his province remains on high alert following the latest development in at least two COVID-19 hotspots in the province.

He says the Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda districts have being identified as possible high risk areas.

He adds a risk adjusted report indicates that the rate of new infections in the Rustenburg, Matlosana, JB Marks, Mahikeng and Madibeng sub-districts was progressing towards a resurgence.

Mokgoro however says the provincial Department of Health is engaging key stakeholders, particularly in the mining sector and schools, which are main high risk areas, on plans to manage the return to work after the festive season.

This comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the country this evening on development related to the country's response to the pandemic.

Bojanala and Matlosana remains the epicentre of the virus, with Matlosana having recorded more deaths and infections. So far the province has 35, 703 cumulative cases, 556 reported deaths and 33,918 recovers. This means that province has about 1,219 active cases.

"The Command Council also received a report on the provincial integrated festive season plan which addresses the state of readiness to manage among others, super-spreader events and how service delivery interventions will be carried out during this period. Added to this effort is the development of Districts based plans, this in line with the District Development Model approach. The department of Health pointed out that while the hospitalisation cases for High Care and ICU are still low, there is a need for the province to monitor and determine its hospital capacity, this to ensure that the health system is not overwhelmed should the province experience a second wave of infections," he adds.

Premier Mokgoro further urged residents in the province to continue wearing of masks when in public spaces, washing hands regularly or using alcohol-based sanitizer, and maintaining social distance.

“The Command Council welcomed the province’s resolve to continue reminding people that COVID-19 is still with us and that we have to maintain our vigilance and prevention behaviours, as well as strengthening the current strong focus on contact tracing," Mokgoro further adds.

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