[ad_1]
Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize says South Africa and other African countries must prepare for the impact of a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections.
In a press conference on Thursday (February 4), Mkhize said that there is a possibility that the third wave will be even more damaging than the previous two waves that have affected the country.
“What we have seen is that in most countries the second wave has become much heavier, fiercer and cost more lives. We are also likely to face a third wave, ”he said.
“There is no way to prevent it (the third wave). Its impact will likely be more devastating. “
Mkhize said the use of vaccines will help create herd immunity, but this would take a long time due to shortages. He chided the richest countries for “hoarding” vaccines, preventing less fortunate countries from vaccinating their populations.
He said only seven AU countries can self-finance their own vaccines, with the rest depending on global groups like the World Health Organization and the Covax vaccine initiative.
South Africa recently surpassed the peak of a second wave of Covid-19 infections, allowing the government to relax restrictions in the country.
In a national address on Monday (February 1), President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the country has recorded its lowest daily increase in infections since December, and that the country has passed the peak of the second wave.
The average number of daily infections has nearly halved, while the number of hospital admissions has also decreased, the president said.
While the indicators are pointing in the right direction, Ramaphosa said the number of broadcasts in the country remains relatively high.
However, the president acknowledged that the restrictions cannot continue for longer than necessary due to their harmful impact on the economy.
The president said that the country will achieve herd immunity once 67% of the population has been vaccinated. This equates to around 40 million South Africans.
No one will be forced to get vaccinated or prohibited from traveling anywhere or participating in any activity if they have not been vaccinated, he said.
“We all want to be free from this disease. We all want to be safe and for those we love to be safe. Our goal is to make the vaccine available to all adults living in South Africa, regardless of their citizenship or state of residence, ”said the President.
Read: US To Lift Travel Restrictions For In-Demand South African Workers – Here Are The Skills That Can Help You
[ad_2]
