LIVE | Covid-19: SA will get 1m doses of vaccine from India in coming weeks

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced that South Africa will be receiving 1 million doses of a Covid-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India in this month.

Mkhize made the announcement in his closing remarks during a briefing to Parliament’s Health Portfolio Committee on Thursday.

“We will be receiving the first 1 million doses of vaccine in January and another 500 000 in February from the Serum Institute of India.

As recently as yesterday, our teams at the department of health and SAPRAH were fine tuning and aligning all the regulations, processes to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays or regulatory impediments to activate this roll-out. We are all happy that the Serum Institute of India and AstraZenca vaccine has already been approved by various regulators and is being rolled out. SPARA is applying reliance on that regulatory framework,” he said.

Mkhize assures members of the public that government is on course and the matter of availability of vaccines is being handled and vaccines will be available in stages. At the end of the day, SA is focused on the best way to deal with the situation.

Mkhize: To deal with the pandemic, the only protection is through vaccination. In terms of the department’s calculation, we need 67-70% of the population to be immunised to break the cycle of transmission - what is called the herd immunity.

Mkhize: There has been a huge demand on beds, oxygen & additional staff and the health department has asked for a reactivation of beds that have been decommissioned. In the EC, WC and KZN and GP the number of patients being admitted has surpassed the first wave figures.

Covid-19: South Africa records 844 more deaths and 21 832 new cases in 'grim milestone'

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said 844 more people have died from Covid-19 by Wednesday.

"Today we have reached a grim milestone as we breach the 20 000 mark for new cases identified in 24 hours," Mkhize said in an uncharacteristically late update on the situation.

Covid-19 forces cancellation of WP v Sharks Currie Cup match

Saturday's final round Currie Cup fixture between Western Province and the Sharks has been cancelled in line with Covid-19 protocols.

The decision was made after a number of positive Covid-19 tests in the Sharks camp.SA Rugby confirmed in a statement that the match will be declared a draw, with both teams receiving two log points apiece.

Covid-19 vaccine rollout: SACP urges Ramaphosa to step up, crackdown on corruption, put people over profit

The ANC-led alliance political council is due to meet on Wednesday, the same day President Cyril Ramaphosa called a National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) meeting. 

The South African Communist Party (SACP) deputy secretary Solly Mapaila told the media that the vaccine rollout and acquisition would be discussed at the meeting.

Universities: 'No chance' of face-to-face classes in first quarter of 2021

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, universities are grappling with how to accommodate students for the 2021 academic year. Last year, teaching and learning had to be done online - and it seems that might be the case again for 2021. 

SA Covid-19 variant appears to evade antibody drugs, which is 'very concerning' - ex-FDA chief

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former head of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has warned that the South African coronavirus variant may evade antibody drugs that treat Covid-19.

Speaking on CNBC on Wednesday, he said that early evidence from Seattle-based Bloom Lab, which hasn't been peer-reviewed, suggested that the South Africa variant can partially escape antibodies that fight coronavirus.

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.