Covid-19: Treasury to focus spending on pandemic

As South Africa entered its 85th week of the Covid-19 lockdown, efforts to increase the vaccination rate have been stepped up. Although infection rates are low and the country remains on adjusted alert Level 1, the race is on to vaccinate as many people as possible ahead of the predicted fourth wave.

Since the onset of Covid-19 in South Africa in March last year, the country has experienced three large waves of infection. The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory and failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Government continues to prioritise Covid-19 response

When Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled his first Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Thursday (November 11), he explained that the health function remains under strain due to the ongoing pandemic. This means that the infrastructure allocation for health will be delayed as government places priority on its Covid-19 response.

The minister explained that the funding of infrastructure projects will be decided upon after cash flow projections have been revised. Also discussed was the funding needed to respond to future waves of infection and for the continuation of the vaccination programme over the next two years.

Covid-19 surveillance

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases reported this week that the majority of people testing positive are between the ages of 10 and 19. In response, the health authorities have urged adolescents to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

On Thursday, it was shown that in the preceding 24 hours, Gauteng had the most new infections and the Eastern Cape had the least.

Vaccine roll-out

After a few delays, the national vaccine roll-out picked up momentum in June and continues to do so, as the country sees an increase in the total number of vaccine doses administered.

According to the Department of Health, 13 124 865 adults are fully vaccinated, while 241 661 children aged between 12 and 17 have received their dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Vaccination sites continue to operate throughout the week, and some on weekends. Government has also been hosting vaccine drives in public places, making the vaccine accessible to more people.

The second Vooma Vaccination Weekend started today (Friday) and ends on Sunday. All vaccination sites will be open.

Covid-19 daily statistics

On November 11, South Africa reported 356 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 2 924 978. A total of 18 835 534 tests had been conducted to date. A further 17 Covid-19 related deaths were reported in the previous 24 hours, bringing total fatalities to 89 452. Recoveries stood at 2 819 130, representing a 96.4% recovery rate. A total of 23 684 440 vaccines had been administered across the country.

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