According to Health Minister Joe Phaahla, South Africa’s National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) will retain lockdown restrictions at Adjusted Level 1. However, it has given the task of monitoring rising infection numbers to the Department of Health.
SA has reported more than 20 000 new daily infections only in the past few days, however, scientists are still monitoring whether or not the new variant causes more severe illness.
“The NCCC has reflected on the current Covid-19 situation and deliberated on a number of recommendations tabled by the Department of Health as part of safety measures to prevent a possible surge in Covid-19 infections during the festive period, which is associated with all sorts of social gatherings like parties and weddings, which can be ‘super spreader’ events,” Phaahla said in a statement.
Whilst the new variant is driving the fourth wave and spreading faster than in previous waves, Phaahla also said that the rates of hospitalisations and deaths remain relatively low.
Minister Phaahla calls on South Africans to get vaccinated
Phaahla also added the importance of getting vaccinated before spending time with friends and family during the holiday season.
“We call upon all travellers, especially those who are unvaccinated or partly vaccinated coming from areas declared hotspots, to get vaccinated before hitting the roads to protect their families and friends they will be visiting during this period,” said Phaahla.
He lastly added that, from their side, the department will ensure that all health regulations are kept in place and that all vaccination sites remain operations.
“The department, working with provinces, will ensure sufficient vaccination sites remain operational, including pop-up sites at some public places like malls, open community sporting-based venues and roadblocks. We also urge public transport operators to enforce compliance with mask-wearing at all times, hand sanitising and open windows to allow sufficient ventilation,” said Phaahla.