Category: COVID-19 Corona Virus

South African genomic scientists have identified a variant of the SARS-COV-2 virus, currently termed 501.V2 variant.

“This genomics team, led by the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), has sequenced hundreds of samples from across the country since the beginning of the pandemic in March.

“They noticed that a particular variant has increasingly dominated the findings of the samples collected in the past two months,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, on Friday.

In addition to the 501.V2 variant, Mkhize said clinicians have been providing anecdotal evidence of a shift in the clinical epidemiological picture, in particular noting that they are seeing a larger proportion of younger patients with no comorbidities, presenting with critical 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,” said the Minister.

The team at KRISP, led by Professor Tulio de Oliviera, shared its findings with the World Health Organisation and the scientific community at large.

Through KRISP sharing its findings, the UK was alerted to South Africa’s variant, upon which the UK then studied their own samples and found that a similar mutation on the same site that is the 501 site was the variant that was driving the resurgence in London.

Following these findings, the UK Parliament announced a lockdown that was instituted in London to curb the spread of this variant.

“This is the calibre of our own scientists here in South Africa and we are extremely proud to once again demonstrate leadership in the COVID-19 response on a world stage,” said the Minister.

Mkhize reiterated that while this mutation is a cause for concern, there is no reason to panic.

He appealed to all the media and medical and scientific community to focus on the facts and avoid entering into speculation or issue unproven statements, and generate panic and disinformation.

“This research underlines the need for all of us all to loyally adhere to the practice of non-pharmaceutical interventions, which work as effectively in any pandemic of this nature, including COVID-19 as we have known it, and is just as effective to a mutant variant of the same virus

“Nothing will beat the rigid implementation of wearing of masks use of hand sanitiser and washing with soap and distancing.

“This discovery does not necessitate additional measures. There will be no basis to change purely based on this report,” said the Minister.

Based on surveillance and intensive monitoring reports which guide the country’s response, the Minister said government will declare new districts as hotspots as they reach the threshold and continue to monitor how these increases impact on health service and health care workers.

Provinces directed to reactivate resurgence plans 

In response to the second wave, the Health Department directed that all provinces reactivate their resurgence plans and mount the appropriate response to the resurgence of COVID-19 by ensuring:

• adequate Human Resources for health – employment of nurses and doctors and all staff that is needed;
• reactivation of the field hospital beds;
• preparing more ICU beds as in the earlier surge and
• provision of adequate oxygen and oxygen delivery tools.

501.V2 research underway to determine possible re-infection

In light of the discovery of the 501.V2 variant, the Minister directed that more work be done to clarify the implications for individuals previously infected and recovered to ascertain if they would be re-infected by the variant.

“We currently have no information and we must avoid speculation but wait for research. There will also be further research to ascertain if the current vaccines will be effective on the new variant.

“We shall continue with the vaccine programme, as there is no evidence to do otherwise and scientific research will clarify that. Before that happens, there is no new action needed and no evidence to change the approach,” said the Minister.

With warnings from clinicians that it is mostly young people testing positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks, Mkhize pleaded with the youth to desist from careless behaviour and adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

“Our clinicians have also warned us that things have changed and that younger, previously healthy people are now becoming very sick. Despite all these warnings in the past couple of weeks, we continue to see recent videos on social media of youth partying in large numbers, even some playing kissing games during these parties,” he said.

The Minister called on the youth to take care and find alternative ways of having safe fun this festive season.

“The situation can be contained and it all depends on our ability and commitment to change behaviour.

“We will continue to update and keep the public informed on any further developments,” he said.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 infections has increased to 883 687 after 10 008 new cases were recorded, the latest data showed on Wednesday.

According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, the country has breached the 10 000 mark for new cases.

The last time South Africa recorded over 10 000 new cases was on 1 August when the country had 10 129 additional infections on that day.

“Our daily cases are growing exponentially,” the Minister said, adding that the positivity rate is now sitting at 21%.

“This far exceeds the ideal positivity rate of 10%.”

On Reconciliation Day, Mkhize said, the department had seen a significant surge in the daily numbers, with the Western Cape leading, breaching the 3 000 mark for the first time this week.

Meanwhile, seven other provinces reported spikes, while the Eastern Cape saw a decrease in daily infections.

According to Mkhize, the Western Cape increased from 2 785 new infections on Tuesday to 3 233 on Wednesday, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, which recorded an additional 2 743 cases.

Gauteng reported 1 795 new cases, North West 182, Limpopo 154, Mpumalanga 146, Free State 88 and Northern Cape 56.

The Eastern Cape had 1 619 new cases, 337 fewer infections compared to the previous day.

The country suffered 166 new fatalities, which brings the death toll to 23 827.

Of the additional deaths, 89 are from the Eastern Cape, 31 from the Western Cape, 25 from KwaZulu-Natal, 10 from Gauteng, nine from Free State and two from Limpopo.

The Minister said 774 585 patients have recovered from COVID-19 since the outbreak, while 5 968 692 tests have been conducted, of which 48 118 were done since the last report.

Lockdown regulations

Mkhize said the department will continue to assess the entire country and where risks are identified, they will make a determination if further containment measures or restrictions are required.

The Minister commended all South Africans who are heeding government’s call and complying with regulations.

“We know that although this has taken away time for enjoyment from our people, it will certainly contribute to curbing the spread of the virus.”

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced stricter restrictions for beaches and parks.

Meanwhile, restaurants will now close at 10pm, while alcohol will be sold from Monday to Thursday between 10am and 6pm, while the curfew has been extended.

Mkhize appealed to the public not to  drop their guard.

“We urge people who will be going to the beach [ on Thursday] and on permitted days to ensure that it does not become a day of regret, where people get infected and lives are lost.”

Keep safe

Mkhize once again pleaded with citizens to be responsible and protect themselves.

“Keep a physical distance from others, wear your mask and wash or sanitise your hands.”

The Minister has also noted the various legal challenges that have been brought against government regarding the recent regulations.

“As Health, we stand by the recommendations made to the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), which are well substantiated by evidence,” he said.

He maintained that government’s mandate to protect the lives and health of the people remains paramount.

“We dare not neglect this responsibility by omitting to take the necessary actions to protect the health care system from being overwhelmed and collapsing, as we’ve seen in other countries.”

According to the World Health Organisation, there are 72 196 732 confirmed global cases of COVID-19, including 1 630 521 deaths.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, is pleading with South Africans travelling to the Northern hemisphere countries to exercise caution as most nations are deep in the second wave of COVID-19.

Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, Pandor said she was worried about travellers becoming distressed or even destitute pending the reintroduction of stricter lockdown restrictions with the likelihood of cancelling international flights at short notice.

“Please note that you will be travelling at your own risk to these countries knowing the current circumstances and the uncertainty going forward,” the Minister added.

Pandor has also asked the holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with immigration and health entry requirements of the country they will be visiting during the pandemic.

“If you have any uncertainty regarding the entry health requirements of the country you will be visiting, then please contact their embassy in SA for assistance. If you need any clarity about the health entry requirements upon your return to SA, and then please consult the website of the Department of Health,” she added.

According to the Minister, travellers should also ensure that they have adequate travel insurance.

“Many South Africans had no or inadequate travel insurance during the peak of the pandemic earlier this year to cover extended hotel accommodation, new flight tickets, and so on.”

The Minister also asked them to register with the embassies abroad and contact particulars of embassies available on DIRCO’s website.

“South Africans are encouraged to register via the e-mail addresses provided as some of our officials might be working remotely due to local lockdown regulations and will not always be able to take your calls. Inform your family or next of kin of your destination and duration of stay.”

Also, ensure that you meet the immigration requirements of the country you wish to visit as countries have revised their visa regimes during the global pandemic.

“Read thoroughly on the country you intend visiting as the global situation is unstable. If the country you visit is a high risk one, consider postponing your visit or proceeding with caution if the travel is avoidable.”

Also, know the COVID-19 protocols of the country you intend visiting as should you not comply, you might be refused entry, she advised.

“Although not yet common, many airlines will likely require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations before commencing travel. Currently, a COVID-19 test is compulsory.”

Repatriation

Meanwhile, one of the hurdles faced by the department this year was the repatriation of citizens who found themselves stuck outside of South Africa due to lockdowns that were implemented by many countries, including South Africa.

According to Pandor, the department’s Consular Services managed to repatriate just over 30 000 South Africans who were stranded from all corners of the world, using over 350 flights.

The Minister said this was when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced South Africa’s level 5 lockdown on the 15 March 2020 to when international travel was again permitted under level 1.

“The number excludes tens of thousands who used our land borders.”

She has expressed her gratitude to all the officials who were involved in this process.

“I know many spent sleepless nights, working seven days a week trying to bring our fellow citizens back to their loved ones.”

Pandor has also urged people to keep safe, as the number of COVID-19 cases peak in South Africa – by wearing masking, maintain social distance and washing hands.

South Africa has recorded 7 999 new COVID-19 cases while a 170 more people lost their lives, bringing the country’s total tally to 860 964 and the COVID-19 death toll to 23 276.

The Eastern Cape recorded 94 deaths, Free State 11, Gauteng 3, KwaZulu-Natal 4, Northern Cape 4 and Western Cape 54.

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

The Eastern Cape had 148 528 positive cases, Free State 59 818, Gauteng 245 360, KwaZulu-Natal 141 372, Limpopo 19 303, Mpumalanga 32 297, North West 35 703, Northern Cape 23 732.

Recoveries now stand at 761 011 while a cumulative total of 5 859 178 tests have been completed with 39 423 new tests conducted since the last report.

According to the World Health Organisation there are 70 461 926 confirmed cases with 1 599 704 deaths worldwide.

With the cases rising in the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the nation tonight on developments in relation to the country’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The address follows meetings that took place on Sunday 13 December 2020, of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC), and a special sitting of Cabinet.

The exact time of the President’s address will be announced later today.

The address will be broadcast and streamed on a range of platforms accessible to South Africans and international audiences.

South Africa has officially hit the second wave, with 6 709 new COVID-19 infections cases reported in the last 24 hours pushing the total number of cases to 828 598.

In a special briefing on Wednesday night, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said the country now meets the resurgence criteria formulated by scientists and modelling teams.

Meanwhile, he announced that teenagers are driving the second wave of infections this time around.

“In the last two days the age distribution of new cases showed a different pattern from the norm, the peak age in this period is in the 15 to 19 age group,” he said.

“This is believed to be due to a large number of parties involving young people drinking alcohol with no adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions,” he added.

The Minister said the super-spreader events “spillover” into the rest of the country, as this age group is highly mobile, while the majority of them are asymptomatic.

“If this trajectory continues, our healthcare system will be overwhelmed by the numbers. Hence, part of the recommendations that are being tabled by provinces themselves is that large gatherings and parties must be urgently curtailed.”

New cases peak exponentially

Four provinces are currently leading the pack, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of new cases at 30%, while the infections have peaked by 24% in the Eastern Cape, 23% in KwaZulu-Natal and 17% in Gauteng.

The Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West accounted for 1% of new cases each, while the Northern Cape contributed to only less than 1%.

The Minister has also raised concerns about the positivity rate that currently stands at 18%.

“This is well above the ideal 10% that the Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19 recommends,” he said.

“You will notice from the seven days moving average graph that the rapid increase in KZN and Gauteng are exponential. This means that we should expect faster-rising numbers at a higher peak than in the first wave.”

The Minister said his department has already sent letters to all MECs urging them to prepare their respective provinces for a second wave.

“The key issues that we have raised are that the provinces need to ensure that testing turnaround times are as quick as possible to facilitate patient flow, assess bed capacity including recalling field hospital beds, attend to staffing and equipment needs urgently and to tighten up monitoring and evaluation and reporting to national department,” he added.

Deaths

According to the stats, 135 more people succumbed to COVID-19 related deaths, which pushes the death toll to 22 574.

Of the latest fatalities, 56 are reported in the Eastern Cape, 48 in the Western Cape, 16 in Gauteng, 15 in Free State, 15 in Free State and seven in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We convey our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the health workers that treated the deceased patients,” Mkhize said.

In addition, the recoveries now stand at 754 658.

The information is based on the 5 690 263 tests completed, of which 38 200 were performed since the last report.

Globally, the World Health Organization is reporting 67 780 361 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections, including 1 551 214 deaths.

A rapid and adequate response to epidemics requires investment in science, technology and education.

These were the words of renowned scientists Professor Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim who shared lessons learnt from HIV for COVID-19.

“In March somebody asked me, will we have a COVID-19 vaccine this year and my response was no way. It takes at least seven to 10 years to do that. Well, today as we gather we have five vaccines that have been shown to be efficacious. It really is the tale of the hare and the tortoise and it tells us that science moves because of investments and while it took us 30 years, we still don’t have an HIV vaccine.

“We have been able to move much more rapidly because of the investments made in HIV and TB [Tuberculosis] that we were rapidly able to mobilise to respond to this [COVID-19],” said Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim.

The esteemed Professor made the remarks during the opening session of the Science Forum South Africa 2020 where she, together with her fellow epidemiologist, researcher and husband, renowned Professor Salim Abdool Karim, delivered the plenary lecture.

Professors Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Salim Abdool Karim both work at the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), as Associate Scientific Director and Director respectively.

Recognising innovation

Detailing their work on HIV with research spanning over three decades, the pair delivered the opening lecture at this year’s forum where they were later presented with the Strait of Magellan Award by Chilean Ambassador to South Africa Francisco Javier Berguño Hurtado.

The Strait of Magellan Award is an initiative of the government of Chile to honour the 500th anniversary of the beginning of explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s historic journey around the earth, which was completed by Sebastián Elcano.

According to Berguño Hurtado, Chile commemorates this date through the recognition of innovators who, through their research or actions, have contributed to providing solutions to global needs.

The initiative, Berguno Hurtado said, seeks to recognise innovation and entrepreneurship, with the aim of building a better world together.

Highlighting the lessons learned from HIV for COVID-19, Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim said they have learned that public communication, science advocacy, political leadership, community engagement and partnerships are key for mounting a comprehensive response when confronted with epidemics.

“To know our epidemics and know our responses, needs strong information systems and rapid case identification through testing and rapid diagnostics that are appearing for COVID-19 is going to change the face of our response, but we also learned how fragile we are in Africa when we don’t drive innovation.

“When we don’t drive things that we need and we have to join the queue with better resourced nations and we saw that with PPEs [personal protective equipment] and we saw that with test kits and we are likely to see that with vaccines as well,” she said.

Adequate response

Science has to be at the core of the country’s response to COVID-19 and epidemics, she said.

“We also heard about incomplete knowledge and differences of opinion and replicability is what takes us to consensus,” she said.

Reflecting on their research, Professor Salim Abdool Karim noted as issues, ethics, denialism and stigma that can delay the effective roll out of treatment in epidemics.

“In 2000, I was asked to write this editorial published in Science and Nature about the big issues we were grappling with about the ethics of the HIV vaccines and globalisation. Just think for a moment this in 2000, 20 years later we [are] now having the same discussion about COVID vaccines and ethics,” he said.

Taking up that challenge from Science and Nature, Karim said part of his research looked into HIV denialism.

At the time, the country was grappling with the denialism issue which saw the country fall behind in terms of making HIV treatment available.

“And this reminds me a lot of the denialism about COVID and not just when somebody points to Brazil, the US or the UK but even in our own country – oh it’s just like flu. That is just another form of denialism for COVID,” he said.

Professor Karim said by understanding the issues in HIV research, South African was better positioned to prepare and respond to COVID-19.

The three-day forum will continue virtually on Thursday and wrap up on Friday.

The number of new Coronavirus cases in South Africa has risen by 4011, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases to 821 889 since the outbreak.

Meanwhile, 183 people died on Tuesday, which brings the death toll to 22 432 since the outbreak.

Of the latest fatalities, 82 were recorded in the Eastern Cape, 50 in the Western Cape, 20 in Free State, 13 in KwaZulu-Natal, 11 in Gauteng and seven in the Northern Cape.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

The Western Cape has 16 089 active cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 9 788, Eastern Cape 7 983, Gauteng 4 499 and Free State 4 334.

The Northern Cape has 2 139 active cases, North West 745, Limpopo 408 and Mpumalanga 400.

The information is based on the 5 640 042 tests of which 28 127 were conducted since the last report.

Global view

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the new cases remained very similar to the previous week with just under four million new infections reported in the past seven days.

Meanwhile, deaths increased slightly with over 73 000 new fatalities reported.

The WHO said America accounts for nearly half of all new cases and over one-third of all new deaths this week.

“While new cases remain high in the European region, new deaths have decreased for a second week,” the agency said, adding that new cases declined in South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions this week.

Also, deaths slowed down in the Eastern Mediterranean region and peaked in the South-East Asia region.

In Africa, while both new cases and deaths remain low compared to other regions, there was an increase of 9% in new cases.

“New deaths have remained stable over the past few weeks. In the Western Pacific region, cases showed a small decline overall while new deaths increased slightly this week.”

In the past week, the highest number of cases were recorded in the United States (reporting over 1.2 million cases, 9% increase), Brazil (over 295 000 new cases, 35% increase), India (over 251 000 cases, 15% decrease), Russian Federation (over 191 000 new cases, 6% increase) and Italy (over 145 000 new cases, 21% decrease).

Africa

In the past seven days, over 53 000 new cases were reported in Africa, a 9% increase compared to the previous week, with just under 1 000 new deaths.

“South Africa continues to account for the greatest proportion (48%) of new weekly cases in the region,” the WHO report added.

In the past seven days, the highest number of new cases was reported from South Africa (25 310 new cases), Algeria (6 290), Kenya (5 379), Ethiopia (3 810) and Uganda (2 244).

To date, there are now 67 210 778 confirmed global cases, including 1 540 777 deaths.

The number of new Coronavirus cases in South Africa has risen by 3 313, as the country also reported 43 more COVID-19 related deaths.

This is a slight decrease from the 4 116 cases reported on Sunday, which brings the total number of COVID-19 cases to 817 878 since the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the death toll now stands at 22 249 after several provinces recorded fatalities on Monday.

Of those who lost their lives, 26 are from the Western Cape, nine from Free State, five from KwaZulu-Natal, two from Gauteng and one from the Northern Cape.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

The Coronavirus continues to spread, with the Western Cape reporting the highest number of active cases sitting at 16 348, followed by the Eastern Cape at 10 964, KwaZulu-Natal 9 194 and Free State 5 513.

Also, Gauteng now has 4 173 active cases, Northern Cape 2 138, Mpumalanga 450 and Limpopo 395.

The data is based on the 5 611 915 tests of which 19 252 have been conducted since the last report.

The Minister has since called on everyone to change their behaviour as the festive season approaches.

He is encouraging people to wear masks, social distance, sanitise and wash hands.

“As we go into the festive season there is a huge movement across provinces, large gatherings, festivals, and so on. We need to find a way to manage this, so it does not become super-spreading events,” he said.

The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has warned the public of potential criminal elements seeking to exploit the global community in relation to the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

With the pandemic having already triggered unprecedented opportunistic and predatory criminal behaviour, Interpol – in an orange notice on Monday – said the swindling is expected to be in relation to the falsification, theft and illegal advertising of COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

This also includes examples of crimes where individuals have been advertising, selling and administering fake vaccines.

“As a number of COVID-19 vaccines come closer to approval and global distribution, ensuring the safety of the supply chain and identifying illicit websites selling fake products will be essential,” said the organisation.

Interpol said law enforcement and health regulatory bodies will need to heighten coordination, as this “will also play a vital role to ensure the safety of individuals and wellbeing of communities”.

“As governments are preparing to roll out vaccines, criminal organisations are planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains.

“It is essential that law enforcement is as prepared as possible for what will be an onslaught of all types of criminal activity linked to the COVID-19 vaccine, which is why Interpol has issued this global warning,” said Interpol Secretary General, Jürgen Stock.

Stock warned that criminal networks will also target unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures, which could pose a significant risk to their health, even their lives.

As international travel gradually resumes, Stock said it is likely that testing for the virus will become of greater importance, resulting in a parallel production and distribution of unauthorised and falsified testing kits.

With an increasing amount of COVID-19 related fraud, Interpol has also advised members of the public to take special care when online searching for medical equipment and medicines.

In addition to the dangers of ordering potentially life-threatening products, an analysis by the organisation Cybercrime Unit reveals that of the 3 000 websites associated with online pharmacies suspected of selling illicit medicines and medical devices, around 1 700 contained cyber threats, especially phishing and spamming malware.

“To avoid falling victim to online scams, it is important to be vigilant, be sceptical and be safe, as offers which appear too good to be true usually are.

“Always check with your national health authorities or the World Health Organisation for the latest health advice in relation to COVID-19,” said Interpol.

The Coronavirus continues to spread in South Africa as cases jumped to 796 472 after 4 173 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the death toll has now risen by 65, bringing the tally to 21 709 since the outbreak.

Of the latest deaths, 30 were recorded in the Western Cape, 15 in Free State, 12 in KwaZulu-Natal and four in the Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

NICD clarifies testing data

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has since rectified its testing data.

On 27 November 2020, the institute reported the total cumulative number of tests conducted as 5 350 076 which was 33 002 tests less than what was reported the previous day.

“From time to time, epidemiological centres undertake audits at various intervals to interrogate the efficiency of the data, clean up the data where necessary and implement improved systems for data collation,” the institute explained.

This is important to ensure an accurate epidemiological picture, particularly when the situation is rapidly evolving as with COVID-19, the NICD added.

According to the NICD, the change is related to testing numbers and does not affect the daily positive case numbers reported by the Minister.

The NICD has since submitted a report outlining the factors that led to this reduction in cumulative tests after consultation with the Incidence Management Team on Wednesday.

These include aligning the reporting of test data with the source of case data, prepare for the inclusion of antigen-based tests and improvement in the process for identifying and removing duplications of the same test from the same patient.

“Removal of samples that were collected outside of the country but tested in South Africa. This guarantees that the testing numbers only reflect South African samples (this ensures an accurate epidemiological picture in relation to the South African context),” the NICD added.

As of 2 December, the NICD is reporting 5 468 670 of which 32 846 were conducted on Wednesday.

The World Health Organisation is reporting 63 360 234 confirmed global cases of COVID-19, including 1 475 825 deaths.