New COVID-19 cases dropped significantly in the past 24 hours. 2 548 cases were recorded, down from more than 4 500 in the last day’s report. 235 people died.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa announced the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines. He announced that:
- In addition to the 1 million Covishield doses that were received yesterday, South Africa is expecting another 500,000 doses from the Serum Institute of India later this month
- South Africa has also secured 12 million doses in total from the global COVAX facility.
- The first 2 million doses are expected to arrive by March
- Another 9 million vaccine doses have been secured from Johnson & Johnson and are expected to be ready after April. These vaccines will be manufactured by Aspen, which is based in South Africa
- In addition, Pfizer has committed 20 million vaccine doses commencing with deliveries in the second quarter or after April
The President maintained South Africa at Level 3 Lockdown, and relaxed several restrictions. They include the following:
- Curfew hours will now be from 11pm to 4am
- Faith-based gatherings will be permitted, subject to health protocols. But gatherings may
- not be more than 50 people for indoor venues and 100 persons for outdoor venues
- Public places such as beaches, dams, rivers, parks and public swimming pools will be re –
- opened subject to health protocols
- Restrictions on the sale of alcohol is now permitted for off-site consumption
- The sale of alcohol by licensed premises for on-site consumption – such as restaurants and taverns is now permitted throughout the week from 10am to 10pm.
The following restrictions have not been changed:
- Social gatherings, political events, traditional council meetings and gatherings at sports grounds are not be permitted
- Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people, and there needs to be social distancing, hand sanitising and mask wearing
- It remains compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space
- Borders remain closed
Source: sacoronavirus.co.za
** If you think you have been exposed to the COVID-19, please call the government’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 029
999 or visit https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ for more information.
