On February 24, South Africa reported 2 411 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 3 667 560. A total of 22 994 945 tests had been conducted to date. A further 40 Covid-19 related deaths were reported with 7 occurring in the past 24 to 48 hours, bringing total fatalities to 99 018. Recoveries stood at 3 533 695. A total of 31 309 353 vaccines had been administered across the country.

Booster shots can now be administered sooner

The Government announced changes on Monday, February 21, regarding the administration of both the Pfizer and J&J vaccines. Some of these changes include a reduction in time between the first and second doses of the Pfizer jab, from 42 days to 21 days.

Those who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine can now receive a booster shot 90 days after the second dose, while those over the age of 18 who received a dose of the J&J vaccine, are now able to receive a booster dose of either vaccine after a waiting period of two months.

Read more on: Kathorus Mail

BA.2 ‘stealth Omicron’ sub-variant could be severe – University of Tokyo

The BA.2 virus, a sub-variant of the Omicron strain, may cause more severe symptoms and appears capable of thwarting some of the key weapons we currently have against Covid-19.

Read more on: The Citizen 

Ramaphosa: Africa’s Covid-19 ‘paradox’ shows continent’s resilience

In his weekly letter to the nation, President, Cyril Ramaphosa commented on Africa’s response to and its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read more on: The Citizen 

‘Can’t let our guard down yet on Covid-19’, warns Mabuza

Deputy President, David Mabuza has warned that Covid-19 remains a death sentence, even though the country has seen a gradual downturn in the number of new daily cases and daily death figures.

Read more on: The Citizen