Avoiding a 2nd Christmas in lockdown is in our own hands

NATIONAL NEWS - The department of health couldn’t be any clearer than they have been. The next few months are crucial in the fight against Covid – and South Africa’s success rests in our hands.

Not only do we need to vaccinate to get closer to the 70% target for the adult population by the end of the year, we cannot be complacent.

The economy cannot afford further lockdowns, with tourism receiving a shot in the arm with the United Kingdom removing SA from the red list recently, shortly after we moved down to lockdown adjusted level one.

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla said: “We appeal to all compatriots to please not lower our guard because of the reduced level of restrictions. Let us always remember that, while the numbers are down, the virus is still in our midst.”

Superspreader events associated with the looming festive season is our biggest danger. Another Christmas in lockdown is something we don’t want to contemplate.

As per the National Department of Health, a further 50 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 88,674 to date.

18.217,612 tests have been conducted in both public and private sectors.

There has been an increase of 56 hospital admissions in the past 24 hours, while vaccination rates have seen 70% of the more vulnerable groups – the 50 to 59 and over-60 age groups – getting the jab.

Although we’ve seen a fantastic uptake of the vaccines by younger residents, we do need to put a lot of effort into making sure that the 50+ year-old age group gets vaccinated too.

The vaccine successes thus far show movement towards greater immunity against Covid-19 and an easing of pressure on the health system. What we cannot afford, however, is a loss of momentum in the vaccine drive towards greater recovery and achieving population effective protection

We need to continue social distancing, wearing masks, getting vaccinated and sanitising.

The ball is in our court.