By Kaya 959 Reporter
There has been no reported spike in SA’s COVID-19 cases following the November 1 local government elections.
“We are pleased to report that indications thus far eleven days after the campaigns and voting we have not experienced super spreading after effects,” says Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla.
Phaahla gave the update during his weekly media briefing.
He says so far not a single province or district has shown signs of a spike in COVID-19 infections.
“We continue to monitor the situation with expert leadership from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19.”
The Minister says over the last four weeks the COVID-19 infections in the country have remained stable with daily infection rates of between 200 and 500.
The number of active cases is still relatively high even though much lower than the peak periods.
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Fourth wave preparations
Phaahla noted an increase in infections in other countries, heralding the fourth wave.
“Our national team is working with provincial teams to prepare for the fourth wave. The health facilities readiness plan is addressing areas such as oxygen supply of which the bulk supplier has finalised contingency plans,” the Minister says.
Thus far, 23 684 440 vaccines have been administered which means almost 40% of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccine.
“Full vaccination is still a bit lower with 13 215 872 individuals or around 33,2% of the adult population. As we start to use more J&J vaccines for adults, the fully vaccinated numbers will go up,” Phaahla says.
Health officials have vaccinated more than 250, 0000 children, aged 12-17 years old. A total of 353 065 teens were registered on EVDS by Thursday.
Phaahla has expressed concern about the vaccine rate among the 18-34 age group. He says it is clear that fake news in the social media space has had a huge impact.
