Covid-19 round-up: Contact sports halted in schools, senior citizens urged to get vaccinated and liquor association wary of potential third wave

The recent surge in daily infections in South Africa serves as a warning to remain vigilant and adhere to health and safety protocols.

India’s pandemic woes have also intensified. The country now has to contend with another serious health challenge – a ‘black fungus epidemic’ among recovering and recovered Covid-19 patients.

On a more positive note, France and Austria have eased their lockdown restrictions, with bars and restaurants reopening.

Senior citizens urged to register for Covid-19 vaccine

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has urged people aged 60 and over to register for their Covid-19 vaccine. The country began the second phase of its vaccination roll-out on Monday. The minister reiterated the ways in which people can register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System. Read more here.

Contact sports in schools stopped with immediate effect

With a general rise in Covid-19 cases in communities across the country, the Department of Education this week announced an immediate halt of all contact-based sporting activities in schools. The department did, however, maintain that non-contact sports would still be allowed to continue, subject to Covid-19 health and safety protocols. Read more here.

Liquor body urges government to heed health experts

The South African Liquor Brandowners Association and Vinpro have urged government to rely on the scientific advice of its own panel of health experts in the Ministerial Advisory Council in responding to the surge in Covid-19 cases and the potential third wave of the pandemic.

Restrictions ease for some, while Indian authorities battle ‘black fungus epidemic’

Through peaks and troughs of the virus, nations across the world have had to adjust to a new way of life. While South Africa remains on lockdown level one, the likes of France and Austria have only recently begun reopening bars and restaurants, while India continues to not only battle the pandemic but a rising epidemic of a ‘deadly black fungus, the BBC reports.

WHA to be held virtually

The 74th World Health Assembly (WHA), which is the World Health Organisation’s highest decision-making body, will hold its annual session virtually between May 24 and June 1. The focus of the event will be on the urgency of ending the current pandemic and preparing for future pandemics ‘by building a healthier, safer and fairer world’.