This week stage 2 loadshedding has returned, after the power utility failed to keep the lights on for more than 48 hours, It means an unnecessary distraction has resurfaced as the country tries to fight the spread of COVID-19 in South Africa.

At the time of writing, power has returned, but Eskom has warned that the system is under severe constraints and a move back to stage 2 could happen at any time.

How this will impact vaccines sites and general infrastructure with regard to the vaccine rollout remains to be seen. For now though, turnout remains an issue, with only 60 618 jabs administered in the past 24 hours.

As of 17:00 on 7th February 2022, a total of 30 255 366 vaccines have been administered, with an estimated 17 194 162 people fully vaccinated at this stage.

Looking at the latest report form the National Department of Health (NDoH), the number of new cases is relatively low at 1 228. The total number of infections recorded to date has since climbed to 3 625 190. Unfortunately, the number of new fatalities remains high, with 186 reported and the death toll related to COVID-19 in South Africa rising to 96 021.

The department also notes that the recovery rate has increased slightly to 96.1 percent, while more than 22.48 million tests have been conducted so far.

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 – CC 0 Pixabay]