WHILE stricter lockdown measures for the holiday period are not expected at this stage, South Africa’s health officials are concerned over the decline in the vaccination rate.

This as the country’s Covid-19 cases rise day-on-day amid the fourth wave.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla was reported this week as saying Covid is set to be with us for some time, and the only way to reduce its power is through vaccination.

He called on all South Africans to celebrate the festive season responsibly, especially regarding alcohol consumption, saying health facilities cannot afford to handle large numbers of MVAs or assaults brought about by irresponsible drinking.

Meanwhile, air quality in public buildings was called in to question by epidemiologist Dr Jo Barnes who said there seems to be no effort by the government to address this, one of the most important measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Fluctuating numbers

Over this past week, Gauteng, which was leading the way in the fourth wave, has started seeing a decline in active cases, slipping below KZN.

On Monday, KZN recorded the highest number of new Covid-19 infections in a 24-hour period, and has the highest number of cases in the country, with 60 418 active cases as at Thursday, December 23.

While the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed earlier this week that the Omicron variant is less severe than Delta, South Africans were urged by Portfolio Committee on Transport chairperson Mosebenzi Zwane to make use of pop-up vaccination sites at roadblocks.

He said the committee supports the initiative as it would serve two purposes; allowing drivers and their passengers to rest, and get vaccinated.

Taxi industry Covid relief fund

Staying with the transport industry, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula this week announced applications for the Covid-19 taxi relief support fund would be officially launched in January.

This follows delays since July’s announcement of the scheme, owing to differences in various sectors.

These differences have now been resolved, and the Department of Transport has partnered with the National Empowerment Fund to begin the dispersing of funds.

A total of R1.35-billion was set aside for the support fund.

Covid-19 daily stats:

As of December 23, a total of 3 374 262 positive cases had been recorded in South Africa since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the preceding 24 hours, 21 157 new cases and 75 new deaths were reported. The cumulative death toll was 90 662 while recoveries stood at 3 064 311. The total number of vaccines administered was 27 778 860.