Just when you thought we might begin to see the light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, talk of a fourth wave, potential lockdowns and as of today a new variant throws a spanner in the works.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed this morning that a new variant had indeed reared its head in the country known as B.1.1.529. So far, 22 positive cases of the new variant have been recorded in the country.
Cases of the new variant have been recorded in Botswana, Hong Kong and South Africa thus far while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director John Nkengasong, said the Africa CDC would meet with SA officials next week to discuss the outbreak.
Speaking to the media, health minister Dr Joe Phaala said it was “too early” to decide on any new lockdown restrictions and added that with the experience of the last 21 months and in consultation with experts, the department could predict how the new variant might move through the country.
While News24 reported that it’s no longer a case of if, but when the fourth wave arrives. Cases have been on the rise, particularly in Gauteng. On Wednesday, 1 275 new cases were reported nationally.
Getting vaccinated is still the best defence against the virus.
Reuters reports that South Africa has halted the delivery of more vaccines due to supply outstripping demand now.
As Tom Eaton makes clear in his column for Sunday Times Daily. (Register to read)
“According to Wednesday’s report, there are currently 16.8-million doses of the vaccine kicking their heels in freezers around the country — enough, at the current rate at which jabs are being administered, to last until the end of April.”
If you have not been vaccinated and want to get vaccinated, now is your opportunity with long queues expected to be a thing of the past and more than enough supply out there. Vaccination sites are open and fully operational, and we need all hands on deck if we are to avert further lockdowns that harm the country economically and take their toll on our mental state of mind.
It’s time to face the facts, vaccines save lives and are our best hope for returning to some sort of pre-covid normality.
Stay safe out there.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analysis, and editorials:
As Vodacom doubles down in R13bn Remgro fibre deal, MTN sells its towers – Daily Maverick
ROB ROSE: Heineken heeds the lesson of SABMiller – Financial Mail (Subscribe to read)
SIMON NEWTON-SMITH | SAA reaches for the stars, but keeps its feet on the ground – Sunday Times Daily (Register to read)
JONATHAN JANSEN | Welcome to uMngeni, where the New SA is at last dawning – Sunday Times Daily (Register to read)
PETER BRUCE: Return to sender, this business is blown – Business Day (Subscribe to read)
Pieter du Toit | The ANC might be big, but it most definitely is failing, Mr Mbeki – News24 (Subscribe to read)
