In recent days, the number of newly recorded cases for COVID-19 in South Africa has risen significantly. This as a new variant of the virus has been discovered locally, spreading at a high rate.

Whether it will prove as devastating as the Delta variant of the virus, which surged during the third wave of infections remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers remain high.

This as the latest report from the National Department of Health (NDoH) confirms that 7 523 new cases have been recorded over the past 24 hours. As a result, the total number of infections recorded in the country to date now sits at 3 852 148.

The department also notes that 26 fatalities have been recorded in the past 24 hours too, as the death toll related to COVID-19 in South Africa has risen to 100 559.

Other key figures in the latest report note that the recovery rate has not slipped any further and remains at 95.7 percent, while more than 24.72 million tests have been conducted so far.

As for the vaccine rollout, the past 24 hours has seen 55 879 jabs administered, with 22 772 of these being the booster shot. As such, not enough people are getting fully vaccinated, which is key should we want to find the impact of an impending fifth wave and future waves of infection.

As of 17:00 on 10th May 2022, a total of 35 243 240 vaccines have been administered across SA, but crucially only an estimated 18 472 807 people are fully vaccinated.

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 Clay Banks on Unsplash]