eNCA reports Gauteng's Health Department is insisting the situation in the province is under control. That's despite reports that most hospitals are nearing capacity.

An expert at Wits University doesn't agree. "We are having reports of people spending two days in the hospital sitting in a chair on oxygen points before they can get access to a bed, said Francois Venter, Ezintsha Professor of Medicine.

"So the system is under stress, there are no two ways about it and when the MEC comes on and says everything is under control, that is not the message I am getting from people at the forefront."

Meanwhile, Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi says everything is under control.

Mokgethi says the province's health system still has enough capacity to cope with demand and healthcare personnel, and beds have been added where required.

Mokgethi says since 1 June, 5,521 posts have been filled to make sure there are enough hands to confront the Covid-19 third wave.

This week, Gauteng's daily infections have surpassed the numbers recorded during the first and second waves.

On Saturday, the country recorded 13,575 new infections, with 62% of these in Gauteng.

eNCA