Government to review lockdown restrictions next week
Health minister Joe Phaahla says that, while South Africa is currently sticking to lockdown level 1, the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) will meet early next week to review any updated data.
The minister said that the NCCC has met in the last few days and determined that, despite the rapidly rising number of infections in the country, the available data points to relatively low pressure on hospitals, so tighter restrictions are not required at this stage.
“The NCCC felt it needed to study the situation further, focusing on the rapid rise in infections, balanced with the fact that fewer people needed hospital admission,” he said.
Over the last seven days, The country has seen a 70% increase in hospital admission. In terms of absolute numbers, the country is still at a low level with just over 7,600 patients admitted as a result of Covid-19.
Most admissions are incidental positives – with Covid being detected after patients were admitted for unrelated reasons. Those who are in hospital for Covid-19 issues are not needing high care, the minister said.
“The view was that most infections were only happening in Gauteng, so more data and information was needed. The NCCC will assess the matter once again next week,” he said.
Phaahla said the NCCC will meet on Monday or Tuesday (20 or 21 December) and provide an update on hospitals, the pattern of infection, etc.
“It’s too early to celebrate (a lockdown-free) Christmas, things can still change rapidly.”
The minister stressed that, rather than waiting for restrictions, South Africans need to take personal and group safety measures to prevent the spread of infection. On Thursday, he urged all travellers, especially those who are unvaccinated or partly vaccinated coming from areas declared hotspots, to get vaccinated before hitting the road.
“[This is] to protect their families and friends they will be visiting during this period associated with large social gatherings like parties and weddings, which can be ‘super spreader’ events that carry a huge risk of transmission of the virus,” he said.
“We also urge public transport operators to enforce compliance with mask-wearing at all times, hand sanitising and open windows to allow sufficient ventilation.”
The health department also encouraged those who have yet to receive a vaccine to go and get the jab. The latest data from hospitals shows that 93% of people who have died in recent weeks were unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals, it said.
The small percentage of vaccinated individuals who died had received their vaccines more than six months ago.
Booster shots will be made available starting 28 December. Those who received the Pfizer vaccine will be eligible for the booster shot six months after the second shot. The Johnson & Johnson booster (or second shot) also carries a six-month interval period, but has not yet been approved by the health regulator.
An announcement on the J&J booster is expected in the coming days.
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