The latest on Covid-19: R11b allocated for Phase 2 of stimulus package and state of disaster extended again
News headlines this week include details of what government is doing to revitalise the economy and the announcement that children between the ages of 12–17 are now eligible to be vaccinated.
Presidential Employment Stimulus: R11b boost
Earlier this week, the National Treasury approved an R11b allocation for Phase 2 of the Presidential Employment Stimulus for the 2021/22 financial year. It has been reported that during Phase 1, more than half a million jobs and livelihoods benefitted from the stimulus. Read the original story on The Citizen.
Children aged 12–17 can now be vaccinated
On Friday (October 15), the Department of Health announced that minors aged between 12–17 will now be able to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced this at a briefing on Friday morning. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for this age group as schools prepare for final examinations. For more on the story, click here.
National state of disaster extended
Once again, the national state of disaster has been extended, this time until November 15. The decision to extend was gazetted by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Read the full report on The Citizen.
Good news for sports fans
Despite the extension of the national state of disaster and a looming fourth wave, South Africans got a taste of normalcy this week as sports fans returned to the FNB Stadium for the first time since March 2020. Read the report at Review Online for more details.
Get the jab, say tavern and shebeen owners
The National Liquor Traders organisation has called on all tavern and shebeen owners to get vaccinated and, in turn, encourage their staff and patrons to do the same. This is in a bid to end lockdown regulations. Read the full story on Pretoria Rekord.
Read original story on rekord.co.za
