It is Valentine’s Day, which means many people across the country will have made plans to celebrate the day with loved ones. While that would not be anything out of the ordinary, COVID-19 in South Africa still looms large, impacting what is possible given current regulations.

As such, it is the second Valentine’s Day dealing with a pandemic.

Looking at the latest report from the National Department of Health (NDoH), we are still trying to fight the impact of the fourth wave, with numbers still not dying down to a level where things can be deemed to be under control.

To that end, the past 24 hours has seen 1 649 cases reported, with those numbers likely top increase as the week progresses. Consequently, the total number of infections recorded to date now sit at 3 641 811.

The department also notes that eight fatalities have been recorded over the past 24 hours. While any loss of life is concerning, this is far less than we have seen in recent days. The death toll related to COVID-19 in South Africa has risen to 96 993 as a result.

Other key statistics include the recovery rate, which is currently 96.2 percent, as well as more than 22.07 million tests having been conducted so far.

As for the vaccine rollout, unsurprisingly the past 24 hours has seen a low 3 560 jabs as it was a Sunday. As of 17:00 on 13th February 2022, a total of 30 559 431 vaccines have been administered.

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

• 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 freestocks on Unsplash]