Coronavirus Council to Meet as Third Wave Concerns Rise

LOCAL NEWS

• Luthuli House is yet to provide direction to the Chief Whip's office in parliament RE members affected by the step aside rule, resulting in confusion and further delays
• Ministerial Advisory committee warns SA could move to adjusted level 2 of lockdown, saying restrictions are needed ahead of the third wave.
  • The National Coronavirus committee will meet today to discuss curbing gathering size and bringing curfew forward
• SA Medical Association is sceptical about SA's capacity to reach govt vaccination targets – even with the private sector slowly coming on board.
  • While vaccination sites have increased, the number of jabs administered is not– remaining just under 40k/day (vs 100k needed to reach target).
  • Distribution has faced delays, while some sites are only now starting the second part of phase 1 vaccinations, targeting healthcare workers – ENCA
• Netcare warns SA must brace for the third wave, with the technical requirements for the label likely to be met within the next week.
  • Several provinces have already declared a third wave (Gauteng, Free State & Eastern Cape) with others, like the Western Cape, giving a broader window.
  • WC expects to hit a third wave within two weeks.
  • Echoes other analysts and health experts, Netcare raised concerns around Gauteng, saying it is at risk of being overwhelmed, especially as we enter the winter months