LIVE | Covid-19 in SA: 513 more deaths as cases hit 1 127 759

Banning tobacco was fair with the Covid-19 risk unknown, govt says – which is still true

It was fair for the government to have imposed a total ban on the sale of tobacco products during South Africa's hard lockdown, under the circumstances prevailing at the time, the state attorney argues in a new legal filing – describing circumstances that currently hold.

Covid-19 claims 'sport unifier' Mluleki George

Mluleki George, regarded as a unifying figure in sport, has died.

This came after the deaths of Athletics SA's Leonard Chuene and former Kaizer Chiefs captain Ryder Mofokeng.

George was also a deputy defence minister.

SA's latest Covid-19 numbers

The number of cases sits at 1 127 759, after 14 410 new infections. 

The death toll is now 30 524 after 513 new deaths.

ICYMI | Today’s top Covid-19 story: WHO throws weight behind Pfizer shot

Covid-19 patients should take two doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine within a period of 21-28 days, the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday as many countries grappled with a more highly infectious variant.

"We deliberated and came out with the following recommendation: two 2 doses of this vaccine within 21-28 days," Alejandro Cravioto, chairman of WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE), told an online news briefing.

He said SAGE did not recommend the Pfizer jab for travellers unless they were in a very high-risk group due to the very limited supply of anti-Covid drugs at present.

Meanwhile, the WHO's technical chief on Covid-19, Maria Van Kerkhove, said there is no indication that the coronavirus variant identified in South Africa is more transmissible than the one spreading fast in Britain.

No, disease outbreaks - including Covid-19 - are not caused by 3G, 4G or 5G

A message shared on WhatsApp since April suggests a link between the introduction of wireless network technologies and outbreaks of diseases.

It says that in 2003, when 3G was introduced to the world, there was an outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. In 2009, 4G was introduced and there was a swine flu outbreak, and in 2020, when 5G was introduced, the world suffered a coronavirus outbreak.

Ramaphosa calls urgent meeting of National Coronavirus Command Council as death toll rises

Meetings of the NCCC are preceded by a meeting by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), which consist of the officials and operators who monitor the situation with relation to Covid-19 on the ground. 

Decisions taken by the NCCC are tabled in a Cabinet meeting, where these are deliberated on before being announced by Ramaphosa in a televised address to the nation.

Covid-19 wrap: Over 85m cases worldwide, Britain locks down and new variant found in New York, Paris

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said his state has found its first case of the more contagious, "UK" strain of the coronavirus, raising concerns about threats to hospital capacity should it spread rapidly in the state.

France promises faster vaccine rollout after criticism

The French government, under pressure for lagging behind EU neighbours in rolling out Covid vaccinations, promised on Tuesday to dispense jabs much more quickly and catch up.

Health Minister Olivier Veran said more than 2 000 people had been vaccinated on Monday and that the "cruising speed of vaccinations will catch up with our neighbours in the coming days".

The French campaign had rolled out just over 500 doses as of 1 January, with critics calling that figure "a scandal" compared with the 200 000 people immunised in Germany in a similar timeframe, after the EU-wide rollout began a week ago.

French health authorities on Monday reported 4 022 new coronavirus cases confirmed in the previous 24 hours, taking the total to 2.66 million.

French deaths from Covid totaled 65 415, they said, after 380 new deaths were recorded.

- AFP

By mid December, 47% of South Africans said they'd refuse a coronavirus jab – up sharply from Oct

South Africa plans to vaccinate 67% of the population – some 38 million citizens – against the coronavirus before the end of 2021. But the latest global survey shows that only 53% of South Africans would gladly accept the Covid-19 jab as of mid-December.

Like the virus itself, perceptions around the pandemic, containment measures and, ultimately, the administering of a vaccine are constantly evolving.

'Lunacy of the highest order': ANC KZN summons councillor over Covid-19 misinformation voicenote

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has condemned a voicenote from one of its councillors, Sfiso Mngadi, in which he shared conspiracy theories about links between 5G networks and Covid-19 and suggested that the eThekwini council consider disconnecting 5G towers.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 85.23 million, death toll at 1 847 660

More than 85.23 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 847 660 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

BREAKING | SA’s Covid-19 death toll breaks 30 000 mark

SA has registered 434 new Covid-19 fatalities, taking the death toll to 30 011.

The number of new infections is 12 601. The total number of cases is at 1 113 349.

The recovery rate is at 81.9%, with 911 573 having recovered.

The country has spent the festive season under a tighter lockdown than has been seen in the past few months, with the sale of alcohol is banned, and a new curfew set between 21:00 and 06:00.

There are also several new Covid-19 hotspots across the country.

Recently it was announced that South Africa is battling a new variant of the virus, which is said to possibly be spreading faster and is having a critical effect on patients who do not have comorbidities. This variant has been seen in several other countries.

The government on Sunday night announced a three-phase vaccine plan, and aims to vaccinate 67% of the population by the end of the year.

Covid-19 wrap: Global cases cross 84.67m, Trump claims rejected and Japan mulls state of emergency

More than 84.67 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 838 960 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Zimbabwe’s lockdown – with 18:00 to 06:00 curfew – is far harsher than South Africa’s

Almost half of Zimbabwe’s cumulative Covid-19 caseload was recorded during December, with new cases growing by more than 10% in the last week of 2020. Total cases recorded since the start of the outbreak now exceed 14,000 and at least 369 Zimbabweans have succumbed to the virus.

Boris Johnson is under pressure to impose national lockdown in UK as Covid surge overwhelms hospitals

Opposition Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday called for an immediate national lockdown due to an explosion in case numbers and hospitalizations over the Christmas holidays.

Families had been permitted by Johnson's government in most parts of England to meet in small numbers on Christmas day, despite a surge in cases caused by the new strain in the virus.

Covid-19: Matric markers urged to take personal responsibility for ensuring incident-free process

On Monday, 45 000 matric exam markers will start the task of grading 14 million scripts in 181 centres across the country. Marking is expected to end on 22 January and matric results will be released on 23 February.

5 things we learnt about SA’s vaccine plan this weekend – including priority for bankers

In order to bring the coronavirus under control, the South African government intends to vaccinate 67% of the population, health minister Zweli Mkhize said on Sunday.

Exactly how is not clear. A current agreement is due to provide enough vaccine for 10% coverage, and even that has no clear timelines yet.

Vaccine 'should work' against coronavirus variant - White House Covid advisor

Moncef Slaoui, head of the White House's Operation Warpspeed, said the new coronavirus variant "should be under control" with the vaccines. 

The CEO of BioNTech said that there was a "relatively high" chance the company's vaccine with Pfizer will work, and AstraZeneca's CEO said that their vaccine "should remain effective." 

Americans escaping to Mexico to avoid Covid-19 restrictions - now Mexico is seeing a surge in cases

In a bid to avoid Covid-19 restrictions back home, a considerable number of Americans have travelled to Mexico for a vacation or - in some instances - to settle down there.

"A lot of people are either coming down here and visiting to test it out or have just full-on relocated," a former New Yorker who has lived in Mexico City for two years told The New York Times.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 84.65 million, death toll at 1 838 746

More than 84.65 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 838 746 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

SA's latest Covid-19 numbers

The number of cases is now at 1 100 748 after 11 859 new cases. The death toll sits at 29 577, after 402 new fatalities.

ICYMI | Govt unveils three-phase vaccine rollout plan, health workers to be targeted first

The health department has unveiled a three-phase vaccine rollout plan, with healthcare workers, the elderly, and people with comorbidities being targeted first.

Health minister Zweli Mkhize has said that the government is expediting vaccine procurement due to the surge of Covid-19 cases plunging the country into a second wave.

The government is eager for the public to gain herd immunity, and is targeting about 67% of the country - more than 40 million people - in its initial phases of the vaccine rollout. Mkhize said the government is targeting February for the start of the rollout, but said nothing has been confirmed as yet. The goal is to have most of the public vaccinated by the end of 2021.

Mkhize said the government has met with several vaccine suppliers, including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

Mkhize was speaking on Sunday night, on the back of the country being shifted into a Level 3 lockdown due to the rising number of cases. The number of cases last week broke the one million mark, and new daily infections are coming by the tens of thousands.

All gatherings - both indoor and outdoor, except for funerals - banned at least until 15 January 2021.

There are a host of hotspot areas now, including major cities like Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

The country is also battling a new variant of the virus, which is said to be transmitting faster between people and affecting people who don’t have comorbidities. This variant has also been detected in the UK, France, Japan and other countries.

Mkhize said the department has already begun laying out its plans for distributing the vaccines. Civil societies, traditional leaders and private partners will all be involved.

He said the government will ensure communities are made aware of the vaccines, who will be in line for it first, and also to dispel misconceptions about vaccines.

Mkhize said that most of the countries that have started vaccinations have been able to bid for all vaccines early because of the countries' vast resources. He said SA has a "more constrained" situation, but the country still should catch up with other countries in terms of rollouts.

Rollout

The health department's Dr Anban Pillay explained the rollout programme: The government will identify priority populations; vaccines will be allocated and distributed; vaccines will be administered; the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine will be monitored and evaluated. Vaccines will be checked for any "adverse effects" he said.

Pillay said the national health department will work with provincial governments and the private sector to ensure the rollout. A national vaccine coordinating structure will be set up.

He says the first phase will be the frontline healthcare workers (about 1.2 million people); phase two is essential workers, people over 60, people with comorbidities (about 2.2 million), people in congregate settings, such as prisons or care-homes (1.1 million); phase three would be to identify people older than 18 who have comorbidities.

He said the vaccine will be dispensed at work-places (mainly for health workers, mining sectors etc.); another option is for mobile medical centres; and vaccination centres; and at public health facilities.

Regarding which vaccine will be chosen, the government will be looking at factors like ease of use, how the vaccine must be stored, the supplier's ability to meet demands, and cost.

- Kerushun Pillay

EXPLAINED | SA's Covid-19 vaccine rollout plan

The health department's Dr Anban Pillay is now delivering a presentation on the rollout programme.

He says, via the Covax programme, the country should get the vaccine by the second quarter of 2021.

He explains: The government will identify priority populations; vaccines will be allocated and distributed; vaccines will be administered; the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine will be monitored and evaluated. Vaccines will be checked for any "adverse effects" he says.

Pillay says the national health department will work with provincial governments and the private sector to ensure the rollout. A national vaccine coordinating structure will be set up.

He says the first phase will be the frontline healthcare workers (about 1.2 million people); phase two is essential workers, people over 60, people with comorbidities (about 2.2 million), people in congregate settings, such as prisons or care-homes (1.1 million); phase three would be to identify people older than 18 who have comorbidities.

He says the vaccine will be dispensed at work-places (mainly for health workers, mining sectors etc.); another option is for mobile medical centres; and vaccination centres; and at public health facilities.

Regarding which vaccine will be chosen, he says the government will be looking at factors like ease of use, how the vaccine must be stored, the supplier's ability to meet demands, and cost.

Schoub explains that 'herd immunity' is a certain threshold where most of a population is immune to a virus. He says this will "bring down the infection to a manageable level."

Schoub says that the countries vaccine rollout strategy will entail purchasing mechanisms funding implications and possible local manufacturing, as well as identifying priority groups.

He says MAC has appointed a vaccine committee to ensure equitable access of the vaccine. 

He says there are about 289 vaccines currently being developed in the world. 

He has wrapped up his presentation

Mkhize has wrapped up his opening address, and Professor Barry Schoub will now provide more details

Mkhize says that most of the countries that have started vaccinations have been able to bid for all vaccines early because of the countries' vast resources.

He says SA has a "more constrained" situation, but the country still should catch up with other countries in terms of rollouts. 

He says the country is participating in a programme that looks at new innovations surrounding Covid-19, which includes new tools, therapy and vaccines. 

He says the department has already begun laying out its plans for distributing the vaccines. Civil societies, traditional leaders and private partners will all be involved. 

He says communities need to be made aware of the vaccines, who will be in line for it first, and also to dispel misconceptions about vaccines. 

He says, for availability of stock of vaccines, government is holding bi-lateral negotiations. "We've signed non-disclosure agreements with various manufacturers, and we are waiting for specific offers to be discussed."

He says Pfizer, Moerna, Astrazeneca, and Johnson and Johnson, including Russian and Chinese manufacturers. 

Mkhize says the R1.8 billion government set aside for the vaccination has been used. He said people had been "sceptical" of the government's plan, saying that the government has "cleared all of those glitches."

He says the government is targeting February for the first vaccine rollout, but that depends on current negotiations. 

He says more funds will be secured via medical aids and other private partners. He says an amendment to the regulations has been reflected to ensure vaccines are available via medical aids.

He says government has approached the Solidarity Fund to assist in the procurement process.

Here's how phase one of the rollout will work

Mkhize says "this is work in progress, so there is still a lot to do." He says the government is targeting 67% of the population for the vaccine to ensure herd immunity. This is more than 40 million people in phase one of the rollout.

He says the elderly, people with comorbidities, health workers will be the first to be vaccinated in phase one. 

He says the government has secured vaccines via the Covax programme, enough for 10% of the population. 

JUST IN | Govt expediting vaccine procurement

Mkhize says the government has set up structures to expedite financing and procurement, and the entire government will be focusing on the project.

"We are very mindful of the urgency, especially considering the second wave," he says. 

The minister says the vaccines need to be available for the majority of people by the end of 2021. 

He says the MAC has been working with government to advise suitable candidates for vaccines. 

He says the teams have been working 'round the clock to ensure the best way forward. 

Mkhize says: "We have been trying to follow what's the best way to deal with this [pandemic] and at this point we believe vaccination is of urgency and we have decided to expedite the process."

He continues: "We believe the vaccines have to be made available to all South Africans, starting with the most vulnerable groups and our health workers."

Mkhize says the only way we will survive the second wave is to develop herd immunity by way of vaccination.

He cites the recent data of new infections, saying that we are seeing close to 18 000 new cases per day. 

The briefing has started

Zweli Mkhize is joined by members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee and members of the health ministry. 

Mkhize to provide an update on the vaccine

Health minister Zweli Mkhize will brief the public on the government's vaccine rollout strategy at 18:30.

This comes after the country was placed under a tighter lockdown than has been seen in the past few months, with the sale of alcohol is banned, and a new curfew set between 21:00 and 06:00.

There are also several new Covid-19 hotspots across the country.

Recently it was announced that South Africa is battling a new variant of the virus, which is said to possibly be spreading faster and is having a critical effect on patients who do not have comorbidities. This variant has been seen in several other countries.

The public becoming complacent with hygiene and physical distancing, as well as so-called superspreader events - like the post-matric Rage festivals - have been flagged as contributing to the recent spike in infections.

You can watch the briefing live on News24.

Covid-19: Zimbabwe reintroduces 'stiff' national lockdown measures with immediate effect

Harare – Zimbabwe's government on Saturday imposed a national lockdown with immediate effect, following a surge in Covid-19 cases, creating a major problem for most citizens who rely on the informal employment sector.

Only essential services, such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets will remain operational for the next 30 days, putting more pressure on already poverty-stricken families.

The southern African nation is already struggling with a deepening economic crisis, hyperinflation and high unemployment.

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 84 million, death toll at 1 829 384

More than 84 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1 829 384 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

US marks over 277 000 Covid cases in 24 hours - a new record

The United States on Saturday saw its highest number yet of coronavirus cases recorded in one day, with more than 277 000 infections.

The hardest-hit country in the world by the pandemic, the United States has marked 20.4 million cases overall, and just under 350 000 deaths.

Infections have been surging in recent months, with top US government scientist Anthony Fauci warning, just days after Christmas, that the worst of the pandemic may be yet to come, driving the country to a "critical point" as holiday travel spreads the virus.

The country has floundered in its efforts to quell Covid-19, with its vaccination programme beset by logistical problems and overstretched hospitals.

More than 4.2 million people in the US have already received their first jabs, with 13 million doses distributed, but that falls well behind the 20 million inoculations that President Donald Trump's administration promised by the end of 2020.

 - AFP

US distributes over 13.07 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines; 4.2 million administered - CDC

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it had administered 4 225 756 first doses of Covid-19 vaccines in the country as of Saturday morning, and distributed 13 071 925 doses.

The tally of vaccine doses distributed and the number of people who received the first dose are for both Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, vaccines as of 09:00 (ET) on Saturday, the agency said.

According to the tally posted on 30 December, the agency had administered 2 794 588 first doses of the vaccines and distributed 12 409 050 doses.

A total of 2 217 025 vaccine doses were distributed for use on long-term care facilities and 282 740 people in the facilities got their first dose, the agency said.

The agency also reported 20 061 818 cases of novel coronavirus, an increase of 168 637 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 2 428 to 346 925.

 - REUTERS

Saudi Arabia ends entry ban, keeps some coronavirus restrictions - state news agency

CAIRO – Saudi Arabia said that entry to the kingdom by sea, land and air will be resumed starting Sunday after a ban that lasted two weeks amid fears of a new coronavirus variant, the state news agency reported on Sunday.

A ministry of interior official said that restrictions included asking people coming from countries where the new variant spread, such as the UK, South Africa and any others, to stay at least 14 days out of these countries before entering the kingdom.

 - REUTERS

Brazil reports 15 827 new coronavirus cases, 314 more deaths

BRASILIA – Brazil recorded 15 827 additional confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, along with 314 deaths from Covid-19, the Health Ministry said on Saturday.

Brazil has registered more than 7.7 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began 10 months ago, while the official death toll has risen to 195 725, according to ministry data.

 - REUTERS

South Africa has surpassed 29 000 Covid-19 related deaths on Saturday.

"288 more Covid-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 92, Free State 9, Gauteng 39, KwaZulu-Natal 29, Mpumalanga 6, Northern Cape 2 and Western Cape 111. This brings the total deaths to 29 175 deaths," Health Minister Zweli Mhkize said in a statement.

The number of Covid-19 cases stands at 1 088 889 after it climbed by 15 002.

The total recoveries are 897 704, representing a recovery rate of 82.4%

As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases is 1 088 889 the total number of deaths is 29 175 and the total number of recoveries is 897 704. pic.twitter.com/mJt1Go519L

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) January 2, 2021

Want to know more about #COVID19 vaccine which is intended to provide immunity against the virus? pic.twitter.com/LWozTvzpn0

— Department of Health (@HealthZA) January 2, 2021