As time flies by more and more people are getting vaccinated for covid-19, and at the same time the government is frequently updating its policies. Furthermore, experts are looking at annual vaccinations as an option to help manage the situation.
Covid-19 Vaccination Statistics Update
As of this week, South Africa registered 1,393 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the cumulative total to 3,707,089. While the updated number of Covid-19 vaccines administered reached well over 33 million. With over 17 million adults in South Africa that are fully vaccinated, covering more than 43% of the population. Plus, over 19 million individuals have had at least the first vaccine shot.
As it stands Gauteng province is in the lead on all fronts. With over nine million vaccines administered and more than 4.5 million adults fully vaccinated.
Will Vaccination Shots Become Annual?
At this stage it is looking like many experts are recommending annual covid shots for the foreseeable future.
Pfizer CEO, Albert Bourla, has suggested that one annual shot would be better than frequent boosters. Taking into consideration all current variants as well as possible future ones. He adds this route may also be more realistically achievable since “It is easier for people to remember”.
Dr Scott Gottlieb, former US Food and Drug Administration commissioner and Pfizer board member agrees. Stating, “I think it’s heading towards the vaccine becoming an annual shot. At least for the foreseeable future, until we really understand the epidemiology of this disease and understand whether the coronavirus starts to recede into the background”.
Covid-19 Vaccination Policy Updates
Proof of Vaccination is Good Enough for Travel
During President Ramaphosa’s speech earlier this week, he announced that from the 23rd of March proof of vaccination would be enough to allow travellers to enter South Africa. Whereas previously those wishing to enter the country had to provide both proof of vaccination as well as a PCR test. Now either one will suffice.
President Ramaphosa said, “Travellers entering South Africa will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours”. This will be a welcomed change for many businesses.
“Our tourism industry needs to get back to business and our people need to get back to work. Travellers are ready to visit and contribute to our industry’s growth. However, the PCR test requirement is the biggest inhibitor.”
The Tourism Business Council of SA
Vaccinations in the Workplace
Last week the Department of Labour published a new legislation called the Code of Practice for Managing Exposure to Sars-CoV-2 in the Workplace 2022. Essentially, the legislation gives employers more power regarding mandatory vaccination in the workplace. At the same time it limits an employee’s options for refusal.
Many law experts agree with the new legislation. As its policies follow the guidelines of Health and Safety Regulations. Particularly falling in line with an employer’s statutory duty of providing an environment that is safe for the health of all employees.
This means that an employees’ refusal could result in a legal dismissal. It has been noted that certain medical conditions could be reason for refusal, however even in this case, the employer has full right to take action.
A recent court case between an employer and their employee focused on the legalities. The employer had an admission policy that barred employees from entering the workspace unless they provided proof of vaccination. However the employer agreed that it would also accept a weekly negative Covid-19 test from the employee. But at their own cost. In the end the the Labour Court upheld the employer’s right to require employees to have a Covid-19 vaccination. Also ruling that it did not need to question whether the policy put in place by the employer was fair or reasonable, whether it infringed upon the employee’s constitutional rights, or who should bear the costs of the testing.