There is every chance that South Africa could experience a fourth coronavirus wave come mid-December through to mid-January according to health minister Joe Phaala.
The minister spoke at a briefing on Friday where he said the fourth wave would be influenced by movements and the possible emergence of a new variant of the virus.
Acting deputy Director-General for primary healthcare at the Health Department, Ramphelane Morewane, urged the country not to drop its guard and remain cautious as we head into the busy festive season.
South Africa’s covid transmission rate has remained stable in recent weeks and recorded just 136 new cases on Monday.
Phaala noted that low vaccination turnout and hesitancy was worrisome and attributed the cause to misinformation.
“It is clear in this population, fake news on social media is making a huge impact and keeping away many young adults from vaccination. We hope as we approach the festive season, because they will be more at risk through social and entertainment activities, many more will come forward.”
While it’s highly unlikely that 70 to 80 per cent of the country will be fully vaccinated by December, South Africa did surpass 24 million vaccinations yesterday according to the department of health.
And healthcare workers are eligible for their booster shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (a one jab vaccine) with 33 170 jabs administered to medical professionals over the last week, reports News24.
But Africa needs to take a leading role in its vaccination rollout plan and drop its reliance on the Global North and wealthy countries for vaccine supplies and administration. High-income countries have administered 32 times more vaccine doses per capita than low-income countries.
South African universities have an excellent track record in researching and developing vaccines and Africa must translate this outstanding lab work into localised manufacturing.
“For all our potential and capability as a continent, we need enhanced and sustained coordination and strategic investment to see Africa claim its role as an end-to-end developer – and not just a grateful recipient – of life-saving vaccines,” reports Daily Maverick.
Meanwhile in Austria, the European country has begun a lockdown for all unvaccinated citizens. Around 65% of all people in the country are vaccinated, which is one of the lowest rates in Western Europe. Unvaccinated people can only leave their homes for limited reasons like going to work and buying groceries.
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