This week the country awaits the results of the 2021 local government elections, with multiple parties vying for control in hotly contested municipalities. Once elected, those taking control will immediately need to turn their attention to COVID-19 in South Africa.

The latest report from the National Department of Health (NDoH) shows the continuation of low numbers, but it remains to be seen what the result of people heading to voting stations on 1st November will have on the predicted fourth wave of infections.

For now, the NDoH confirms that 169 new cases have been recorded over the past 24 hours, as the total number of infections rises slightly to 2 922 391. The department also notes that 18 fatalities have been reported too, with the death toll related to COVID-19 in South Africa now sitting at 89 197.

Looking at other key figures, the recovery rate remains at 96.3 percent, as it has done for more than a week now. Added to this is over 18.57 million tests being conducted to date.

Shifting to the vaccine rollout, 167 819 jabs have been administered in the past 24 hours and as of 17:00 on 2nd November, a total of 22 627 182 vaccines have been administered in South Africa.

The full outlook for COVID-19 in South Africa follows on below:

As always, in order to stay up to date with the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa and abroad, we advise the following materials and platforms:

• COVID-19 Connect on WhatsApp – add 0600 123 456 as a contact and say “Hi”.
• World Health Organisation
• SA Coronavirus website
• SA Government
• SA Presidency

[Image – Photo by aboodi vesakaran on Unsplash]