Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

A new cohort of health workers is set to assist the already constrained health system that is in the throes of a second COVID-19 wave, at the start of the New Year.

Expressing concern on the rising numbers of healthcare professionals becoming infected with COVID-19, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that the Department of Health is expecting assistance with the employment of new health workers.

“It will greatly assist us to welcome, in a few days, 2 367 medical interns, 1 693 medical community service practitioners who will form part of a 7 895 strong community service workforce from all categories.

“This will provide relief to our exhausted frontline workers,” said the Minister on Tuesday.

This announcement follows a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country with 1 011 871 cumulative cases reported on Monday.

South Africa has also surpassed the peak of the first wave compelling government to tighten restrictions and move the country to adjusted level 3 of the lockdown.

The majority of new cases are from KwaZulu-Natal with 2 275 (30,5%) followed by the Western Cape at 2 191 cases (29,4%), Gauteng at 1 849 cases (24,8%) and the Eastern Cape at 384 cases (5,1%).

The overall positivity rate for newly tested individuals is 32,9%, with the Western Cape at 45,6%, followed by Limpopo at 41,0%, KwaZulu-Natal at 36,0% and Mpumalanga at 33,1%.

“These positivity rates are extremely high and are a major concern. Overall we need to test more and target a positivity rate of 10% or less.  [In addition], 11 256 patients are currently hospitalised- this is 8,3 % of our active cases. Of these 3 543 are on oxygen and 604 are on ventilators,” said the Minister.

According to the resurgence thresholds, the majority of districts in South Africa are in response phase – this means greater than or equal to 20% increase in new COVID-19 cases compared to 7 days prior.

Provinces are now instituting their tailored resurgence plans, adapted from the surge plan that was developed together with the World Health Organisation.

The key focus areas of the resurgence plan include governance and leadership, medical supplies, port and environmental health, epidemiology and response, facility readiness, case management, information systems, risk communication and community engagement, occupational health and safety and human resources.

PPE stock shortage

To combat stock shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), Mkhize encouraged trade unions to access the dashboard and use the Stock Visibility System to monitor availability.

“Currently, overall availability of PPE is at 87.1%. We encourage unions to access the dashboard and use the Stock Visibility System to assist us with stock surveillance and movement and continue to be active participants in OHS committees as was jointly resolved over the course of the pandemic,” he said.

COVID-19 strains non-COVID related services

With the resurgence of the virus, the Minister urged citizens to adhere to protocols to enable non-COVID related services to continue.

“The alcohol ban will greatly assist to reduce the trauma burden on our facilities over the festive season and save lives.

“…We do not want a situation where we bring COVID-19 under control, only to find that other major public health burdens become exacerbated by neglect,” he said.

Mkhize reminded citizens to ensure they access essential services such as immunisations, antenatal care for expectant mothers, screening and testing for other communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV, and TB.

He also called for the screening and testing for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, prostate, cervical and breast cancer and voluntary male circumcision.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has called on South Africans to adhere to the Disaster Management Act amendment regulations for level 3 of the lockdown.

His appeal comes after government moved the country to lockdown level 3 from level 1, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

South Africa has now breached the one million mark of COVID-19 confirmed cases, with just over 27 000 deaths.

“We are making a clarion call for people to adhere to the regulations. Failure to do so has consequences.

“Alcohol cannot be sold anywhere, whether on-site or off-site. There must be no transportation of alcohol. Alcohol should not be moved, otherwise you will be arrested. We are going to be tough on people who sell alcohol during this time.

“There are people who are causing economic sabotage by selling alcohol. We are going to be tough on those who have licences and sell alcohol illegally.  Those licenses must be revoked,” Cele said.

The Minister was addressing the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) media briefing on COVID-19 restrictions, regulations and enforcement on Tuesday.

The briefing follows an address by the President on Monday on the developments in relation to the country’s response to the pandemic.

Cele warned restaurants against selling alcohol illegally during this time.

“Do not put alcohol in teapots in restaurants or in bottles with labels of zero alcohol. Don’t invite police to check on your business. We are calling on the industry to work with government,” Cele said.

Curfew

According to the regulations, every person is confined to his or her place of residence from 9pm until 6am daily.

Any person who fails to abide by the curfew referred to commits an offence, and is on conviction liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

“The wearing of a face mask is mandatory for every person when in a public place. Any person who fails to comply with a verbal instruction by an enforcement officer to wear a face mask commits an offence and is, on conviction liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and imprisonment,” the regulations state.

Cele encouraged citizens to report to the police people who have tested positive for COVID-19 but are still out in public.

Cele urged the public to stick to the regulations, especially where funerals are concerned. A maximum of 50 people can attend a funeral, while observing a distance of at least one and a half metres from each other.

“Please help all of us. Behave so we can focus on fighting crime instead of chasing people who do not adhere to level 3 regulations.

“We want to urge young people because there was a narrative that young people do not suffer if they have the virus, but that narrative has changed. Everybody is a victim, so we need to work together,” Cele said.

South Africa now has 1 011 871 COVID-19 cases after the Health Department reported 7 458 new cases on Monday.

A further 336 COVID-19 related deaths were also reported with 109 in the Eastern Cape, while the Free State recorded 8, Gauteng 22, KwaZulu-Natal 49 and Western Cape 148.

This brings the total to 27 071 deaths.

To date the Eastern Cape has 167 239 cases, Free State 61 874, Gauteng 276 133, KwaZulu-Natal 185 946, Limpopo 22 896, Mpumalanga 35 162, North West 38 673, Northern Cape 24 920 and the Western Cape 199 028.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased,” said Health Minister, Dr Zwelini Mkhize.

A cumulative 6 469 025 tests have been conducted with 23 707 tests completed since the last report.

The recoveries currently stand at 849 974. This represents a recovery rate of 84%.

South Africa has breached the one million mark of COVID-19 cases in South Africa, after 9 502 cases were reported on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 1 004 413 cases.

A total of 214 COVID-19 related deaths were reported, with 123 in the Eastern Cape, 17 in Gauteng, 13 in KwaZulu-Natal, five in the Northern Cape and 56 in the Western Cape. This brings the total to 26 735 deaths.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased,” said Health Minister, Dr Zwelini Mkhize.

To date, the Eastern Cape recorded 166 849 cases, Free State 61 771, Gauteng 274 272, KwaZulu-Natal 183 653, Limpopo 22 705, Mpumalanga 34 920, North West 38 540, Northern Cape 24 870 and 196 833 in the Western Cape.

A cumulative 6 445 318 tests have been conducted, with 29 494 tests completed since the last report.

The country’s recoveries currently stand at 844 874, which represents a recovery rate of 84.1%.

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha has warned residents about the resurgence of the Coronavirus in the province.

The warning comes after the province recorded an increased number of infections in four local municipalities, causing the province to be on high alert.

The four affected municipalities are Makhado, Thulamela, Polokwane and Thabazimbi.

“Among the major contributing factors of the second wave in the province is the behavior displayed by majority of young people during this festive season. Videos have so far emerged on social media platforms where young people are attending super-spreader events and completely ignoring health protocols,” the Limpopo provincial government said on Wednesday.

In the main, the super-spreader events in the province comprises soccer tournaments, street bashes, after tears gatherings, weddings, church services, drinking sprees at Taverns and Shebeens, to name but a few.

The provincial government said this current trend makes it eminent for the COVID-19 variant which makes it even harder for containment and will lead to the overwhelming of public health facilities in the province.

“We are reiterating our clarion call to society in general to treat this year’s festive season as business unusual. Parents are requested to take responsibility for the action of the youth. Movements should be limited as much as possible.

“Events should be attended by close family, few friends and a limited number of relatives. People are urged to wear masks, exercise social distancing, practice health hygiene at all times. We are under siege because of this pandemic and we should all practice the new normal,” the Premier said.

The latest COVID-19 statistics show that South Africa has a cumulative total of 940 212 cases of COVID-19. Limpopo has recorded 20 519 COVID-19 cases with 533 deaths and 18 694 recoveries.

South Africa has recorded 339 more COVID-19 related deaths bringing the death toll to 25 246.

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of deaths at 107 followed by the Western Cape at 142 and KwaZulu-Natal with 45. At least 30 deaths were recorded in Gauteng, 8 in the Free State and 7 in Limpopo.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health care workers who treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on Tuesday.

A total of 9 501 new cases were reported  pushing the country’s cumulative COVID-19 figures to 940 212.

To date, Eastern Cape has 161 186 COVID-19 cases, Free State 60 805, Gauteng 259 962, KwaZulu-Natal 162 680, Limpopo 20 518, Mpumalanga 33 493, North West 37 090, Northern Cape 24 300 and 180 177 cases in the Western Cape.

Since the last report on Monday, 39 045 tests were conducted with 6 215 728 cumulative tests done to date.

The country’s recoveries now stand at 808 241.

KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Ravi Pillay, has warned that plans by British Airways to suspend 13 destinations, including the Durban – London direct route from its network, will hamper the growth of international air services into the region post-COVID-19.

This follows reports that British Airways plans to suspend the direct flight route between Durban and London for the upcoming summer season, as part of efforts to cut costs and adjust to the lower level of travel demand in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pillay said British Airways’ decision should be seen in the broader context of an organisation that has worked hard to keep flying, despite the pandemic affecting its entire global operations.

“This organisation has had to make extraordinary sacrifices, letting go of some 12 000 staff and retiring 31 aircraft.

“The UK has just emerged from its second lockdown, which has meant there simply aren’t that many people flying at the moment,” Pillay said on Monday.

Pillay said KZN remains confident that British Airways will resume direct flights to Durban “once greater certainty has returned to the world and once the aviation industry regains momentum”.

“Our social and economic links to the UK are enduring. This will translate itself into continued demand for flights between Durban and London for tourism, trade and visits to friends and family,” the MEC said.

Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ) CEO and Durban Direct Co-Chair, Hamish Erskine, said the route development committee understands the reasoning behind British Airways’ decision.

“The impact of COVID-19 and subsequent travel restrictions globally have resulted in low anticipated demand. It is therefore not unreasonable that an airline like British Airways reduces the routes in its network.

“However, from a Durban Direct route development committee’s perspective, we are confident in the resilience of the KwaZulu-Natal markets and their ability to sustain direct air services between Durban and London,” Erskine said.

Pre-COVID-19, Erskine said British Airways experienced very strong load factors, which were a testament to the demand for the route, supported by cargo volumes that were almost at capacity.

“The reality on the ground is that Durban remains connected with London by flights from Emirates, which has recently increased its frequency to four flights a week, and Qatar Airways.

“Over the last 10 years, we have worked tirelessly to develop this market and post-COVID-19, we are committed to taking our experience and rebuilding this route.

“At the moment, we have two strong hub carriers in the form of Qatar Airways and Emirates, servicing Durban and collectively connecting KwaZulu-Natal to over 250 destinations around the world right now.

“That gives us a reasonably good base on which to drive business and leisure travel, as well as cargo growth,” Erskine said.

Meanwhile, due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in South Africa and elsewhere around the world, Turkish Airlines has also decided to suspend its two weekly flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban for the December-January holiday season.

South Africa on Monday recorded 216 COVID-19 related deaths.

This brings the death toll to 24 907, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit after 97 people died on Monday.

Eighty-four fatalities were recorded in the Western Cape, 16 in Gauteng, 15 in KwaZulu-Natal and four in the Free State.

The Health Department reported that the number of COVID-19 cases has now risen to 930 711 after 8 789 new infections were identified since the last report.

The latest statistics show that South Africa has 109 458 active cases.

The provinces with the largest number of active COVID-19 cases are the Western Cape with 37 061 people, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 31 983, Gauteng 15 265 and Eastern Cape 14 251.

The Free State has 4 458 active cases, North West 2 114, Northern Cape 2 019, Limpopo 1 193 and Mpumalanga 1 114.

“A cumulative total of 6 176 683 tests have been conducted, with 35 844 tests conducted since the last report,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Recoveries now stand at 796 346.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), in recent weeks, respiratory hospitalisations in all age groups have increased, with some reductions in the last reporting week, likely related to delays in reporting.

“Outpatient general practitioner respiratory consultations spiked in early March, consistent with ‘worried well’ health-seeking behaviour, then declined sharply across South African provinces and age groups, reflecting the impact of the lockdown.

“In the Eastern Cape, levels have reached those seen in the first wave of COVID-19,” the NICD said.

The World Health Organisation has reported 75 704 857 global confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 690 061 deaths.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), will pump R25 million towards the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) as scientists grapple with the new COVID-19 variant.

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, announced this on Friday, during a joint briefing with the Department of Health and scientists.

“This was in the wake of the latest surveillance results that shows a worrying trend of the highly transmittable COVID-19 variant first identified in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, and moved to the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and is now the dominant and possibly the only COVID-19 variant responsible for the current surge,” said the department.

According to the department, the R25 million of the R45 million required over the next 12 months will help scientists to complete the sequencing of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 10 000 genomes in South Africa and Africa.

A group of scientists discovered the new “unusual” Coronavirus variant called 501.V2, which is spreading rapidly in the country.

According to Health Department Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, this variant is seeing a larger proportion of younger patients with no comorbidities develop serious illness.

“The evidence that has been collated, therefore, strongly suggests that that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant.”

The department said the grant will be used to understand the spread of COVID-19 and other virus lineages on the continent while also supporting the clinical and laboratory investigations of the genomic variation in the country.

“This is in line with the use of pathogen genomics for monitoring of transmission dynamics of infectious agents and potential vaccine escape is of crucial importance to South Africa, Africa and the world,” said Minister Nzimande.

Nzimande said that these funds will be used to acquire equipment to automate the sequencing system and to buy reagents and other laboratory consumables.

Meanwhile, in April 2020, DSI through the Strategic Health Innovation Partnership funded KRISP for the project, ‘Spatial and Genomic monitoring of COVID-19 cases in South Africa to fight the flames before they become a wildfire’ to a tune of R10 million.

“This resulted in the establishment of the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa in June 2020, with the goal to sequence the genome of at least 10 000 SARS-CoV-2 samples to inform the public health response in South Africa, and to use spatial and genomic monitoring of COVID-19 cases to help the government to identify hotspots of transmission and control the local epidemic.”

Meanwhile, the Minister said the next step is to get a better understanding of whether there is any clinical and epidemiological evidence to suggest increased transmissibility and/or pathogenicity of the virus and/or vaccine escape.

KRISP

KRISP was established in 2017, situated at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.

The department describes KRISP as a cutting-edge genomics centre offering a range of DNA sequencing, precision medicine testing, bioinformatics services and technologies to academic, industrial and commercial users.

The centre is a platform of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), an agency of the DSI – a flagship programme of the South African Medical Research Council has established an excellent scientific infrastructure.

“Their vision is to challenge the status quo and establish one of the worlds most advanced and respected genetic sequencing platforms, to enable and support world-class genomics research and diagnostics services in Africa,” he said.

Nzimande said the consortium capacitated five key National Health Laboratory Services and their associated academic institutions to produce and analyse completely viral genomes in South Africa in near real-time.

The main investigators include Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Professor Carolyn Williamson, Dr Jinal Bhiman, Dr Nokukhanya Msomi, Professor Diana Hardie, Dr Marvin Hsiao, Professor Nicky Goedhals and Professor Susan Engelbrecht.

South Africa recorded 9 446 new cases on Sunday, pushing the total number of cases to 921 922.

An additional 152 COVID-19 related deaths were reported, with the Eastern Cape reporting 105 fatalities overnight.

Thirty deaths occurred in the Western Cape, eight in KwaZulu-Natal, five in the Free State, three in Mpumalanga and one in Gauteng.

This brings the death toll to 24 691 since the outbreak.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health workers who treated the deceased,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

The Western Cape has the highest number of active cases with 34 979, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 29 527, Gauteng 15 095 and Eastern Cape 13 065.

The Free State has 4 402 cases, Northern Cape 2 009, North West 1 991, Limpopo 1 149 and Mpumalanga 1 100.

According to the latest data, there are 793 914 patients who recovered COVID-19.

The information is based on the 6 140 839 tests conducted to date, with 40 466 conducted since the last report.

While the country is still grappling with the second wave, the Minister announced on Friday that a group of scientists discovered a new Coronavirus variant called 501.V2, which is spreading rapidly in the country.

According to Mkhize, this variant is seeing a larger proportion of younger patients with no comorbidities develop serious illness.

“The evidence that has been collated, therefore, strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant.”

Meanwhile, scientists in the United Kingdom have also warned about this new variant of the virus, prompting the UK to introduce tighter restrictions during the festive season.

According to reports, countries like Canada, South America, Argentina, Chile and Colombia have all suspended direct flights to and from the United Kingdom.

Globally, there are 75 110 651 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 680 395 deaths reported to the World Health Organisation.