By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of Health says the cumulative number of Covid-19 cases identified in SA is 1 665 617 with 2 792 new cases reported.
A further 67 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported which brings the total to 56 506.
The recoveries now stand at 1 559 337, representing a recovery rate of 93,6% and close to one million people have been vaccinated in South Africa, said the department.
“Total vaccinated under the Sisonke is 479 768.The total vaccinated under Phase Two with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine is 490 680. Total vaccinated to date is 970 448.”
According to the World Health Organisation, there are now 169 597 415 confirmed global cases of COVID-19, including 3 530 582 deaths.
Two weeks ago, the country started the second phase of the vaccination programme, targeting the balance of health workers, who were not vaccinated during the first phase, and all those in the country who are over 60 years of age.
This followed the first phase of the programme, in which nearly 480,000 health workers were vaccinated.
“Since the evidence shows that older people are at a far greater risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death, government has prioritised the elderly for this second phase.
Over the last two weeks, over 480 000 people received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, as part of the public vaccination campaign.
Since the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses to provide maximum immunity, people will need to have a second dose at least 42 days after their first dose.
There are now more than 400 vaccination sites in operation across the country in both the public and private sectors.
“Government has secured enough vaccines to reach all adults in the country, which is around 40 million people. This includes 31 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is a single dose, and which will be manufactured here in South Africa.
Over three million people have registered on the Electronic Vaccine Data System.
here are four ways that citizens can register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. They include the following:
- The online registration platform available on the SA Coronavirus website.
- Dialling *134*832# and registering via USSD.
- Sending the word “register” via WhatsApp to 0600 123 456.
- Calling the national toll-free call centre on 0800 029 999, where somebody will help with registration and answer any questions about the vaccination rollout.
Government is continuing discussions with other vaccine manufacturers so that they can be included in the country’s vaccines programme.