Infections rising in SA
Shireen Darmalingam
Global cases update:
- Cases have surpassed 509 million, while the death toll has breached 6.24 million; recoveries are at 462 million.
- The US has 82.66 million cases, accounting for 17% of global cases; the US death toll is 1.01 million.
- India has 43.06 million cases and 522,223 deaths; Brazil has 30.34 million cases and 662,701 deaths.
- China’s Covid outbreak has worsened as rising cases in Beijing sparks fears about a lockdown of the capital.
- Policymakers are trying to avert a Shanghai-style crisis that has caused havoc in the financial hub.
- Concerns are mounting over South Korea's decision to lift all anti-Covid measures.
- This comes as the "non-scientific" decision can convey the wrong signal that the pandemic is over.
- Globally, more than 11.5 billion vaccine doses have been administered across 184 countries at a rate of 13.2 million doses a day.
Africa cases update:
- Africa’s Covid-19 cases are at 11.86 million; fatalities are at 253,705.
- Morocco has 1.164 million reported cases, Nigeria 255,685, Ghana 161,124, Kenya 323,709.
- The drive to vaccinate the world seems to be losing steam.
- Rates are stalling in most low-income countries and well short of the WHO’s goal to immunize 70% of people in every country by June 2022.
- Aspen is in talks with African leaders and policymakers about how to raise demand for Covid-19 vaccines.
South Africa cases update:
- SA currently has the 30th highest caseload, at 3.762 million; 3,222 new cases were reported yesterday.
- Active cases are at 29,311; Gauteng leads the way, with 9,652 active cases, followed by Kwazulu-Natal with 8,512.
- There were 5 Covid-19 deaths reported yesterday; deaths are at 100,303.
- 3.633 million people (or 96.6%) have recovered from the virus.
- 24.332 million tests have been conducted since 5 March 2020; 19,325 tests were conducted yesterday; the SA positivity rate is 16,7%.
- 34.6 million vaccines have been administered in SA to date; 3,375 vaccines were administered yesterday.
- 17.759 million people, or 44.62% of the SA adult population, have been fully vaccinated.
- Health Minister Joe Phaahla has warned that there are "worrying signs" of a rise in infections in SA.
- The Social Development Department commented that the recipients of the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant will have to reapply for it.
- This comes as the national state of disaster was lifted; the payment of the grant would now be provided under a new legislative framework.
- This process for reapplication will remain online.
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