President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday night called on all South African to support the government’s plan to roll out the coronavirus vaccine.
He gave an update on measures the country had in place to curb the spread of the virus.
Ramaphosa said the government already secured 20 million doses of the vaccine for the current year.
“We will administer vaccinations through hospitals, clinics, outreach services and mobile clinics, and private settings such as doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and workplaces. While there are several promising negotiations with a number of different manufacturers that still need to be concluded, we have to date secured 20 million doses to be delivered mainly in the first half of the year.”
The first group to get vaccinated would be frontline health workers.
“In Phase 2, when more vaccines arrive, we will prioritize essential workers such as teachers, police, municipal workers, and other frontline personnel. We will also prioritize people in institutions like old age homes, shelters and prisons, people over 60 years of age, and adults with comorbidities. The total number we plan to reach in this phase is around 16 million people,” he said.
The remaining adult population of approximately 22.5 million people will then be vaccinated in the third phase.
“We will then have reached around 40 million South Africans, which is considered to approximate herd immunity.”
BORDERS TO BE CLOSED
The president also announced that 20 of South Africa’s borders would be closed in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“To reduce congestion and the high risk of transmission, Cabinet has decided that the 20 land ports of entry that are currently open will be closed until the 15 February for general entry and departure.”
These include the six busiest border posts, which are Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg, and Kopfontein.
People will, however, still be allowed to enter or depart the country for:
- the transportation of fuel, cargo, and goods;
- emergency medical attention for a life-threatening condition;
- the return of South African nationals, permanent residents, or persons with other valid visas;
- diplomats;
- the departure of foreign nationals and
- daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa.
-EWN
In other news – Does it come with food? – R940 000 Smeg Fridge leaves Somizi in shock
It is no secret that Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung loves the finner things in life, which is super as he can afford it thanks to his illustrious career. The personality who has a SMEG kitchen made a quick stop into the store to get a Dolce and Gabbana kettle and toaster.
While he was there he saw a beautiful fridge and enquired about its price. The sales lady said it cost a whopping R940 000 rand to which Somizi quipped with: Learn More
The post 20 borders to close and 20 million doses of COVID vaccine secured, says Ramaphosa first appeared on News365.co.za.
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