Mayor Phalatse concerned about the new Covid-19 variant
Non-pharmaceutical interventions must be adhered to at all times.
Mayor of Johannesburg Mpho Phalatse informs residents that the City is aware of the new B.1.1.529 variant of Covid-19.
At this stage, there is not a lot of information on this new variant, as scientists continue to research it.
The City is continuing with mass vaccination of residents and aims to reach more people as the vaccination rollout remains critical to curbing the impact of the fourth wave.
The vaccination programme is a priority in the fight to minimise the spread of Covid-19 infection, as it has been proven that vaccinations decrease the risk of death for those who are immunised.
Phalatse will be meeting with technical experts in the field with a view of understanding the variant to guide the City’s response to the variant.
It is expected that the fourth wave will peak around mid-December; however, more data modelling will be available in the coming weeks.
She emphasised the City’s commitment to responding to the resurgence and to doing all in its power to help reduce transmission, while also seeking interventions that have minimal impact on the livelihoods of residents.
In the meantime, the City urges the community to continue the non-pharmaceutical interventions of mask-wearing in public, sanitising hands and practising social distancing at all times.
