Gauteng is running out of beds

A looming shortage of ICU and general ward beds means severely ill Covid patients — even those with medical aid — may not make itthrough thedoor athospitals inhotspot areas that are close to capacity. In Gauteng, which is SA’s centre of infections, health MEC Bandile Masuku said his department expected a shortage of at least 800 beds by the end of the month. However, data from the province indicates that there could be a shortage of 50,000 beds by September. Health experts say it is difficult to tell h ow extensive the bed shortage will be because the government is not releasing proper data on beds and other available resources.