Local News
Fifteen more cases of Covid-19 ‘Kraken’ subvariant detected in South Africa
Article from dailymaverick.co.za
Almost 20 cases of XBB.1.5 – the Omicron subvariant that’s been described as the most transmissible to date – have now been identified in South Africa.
Fresh Round of Covid-19 Shots Available from Monday
Article from businesslive.co.za
Adults older than 50 can get a third booster, while those aged between 18 and 49 are eligible for a second one as government seeks to use huge surplus of vaccines.
No time for Covid-19 complacency – the pandemic is not over, experts say
Article from news24.com
South Africa may have already entered the fifth Covid-19 wave ahead of winter, and two experts agree that to avoid a surge in Covid-19 hospitalisations, people should ensure they’re vaccinated and boosted.
The new Covid rules and restrictions for South Africa – including mask mandates
Article from businesstech.co.za
Health minister Joe Phaahla has gazetted new regulations under the National Health Act to replace the country’s transitional measures.
‘Proof is in the poo’: New data says COVID cases set to spike in SA
Article from thesouthafrican.com
Ahh well, we’ve had a good run. In the same month that State of Disaster regulations were lifted, it would appear that new COVID cases are on the rise – and according to new wastewater samples, the proof really is in the poo…
Covid-19 variant Pi and the fifth wave: What you need to know from Prof Salim Abdool Karim
Article from iol.co.za
PRETORIA: Leading epidemiologist, Professor Salim Abdool Karim has warned community members to remain vigilant regarding the Covid-19 pandemic as the next wave of infections are likely to set in around May, and be driven by a new variant, likely to be called Pi.
Covid Fifth Wave Likely to Hit SA in May but Dependent on New Variant – Karim
Article from ewn.co.za
JOHANNESBURG – Infectious diseases epidemiologist, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, said that South Africans could expect a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections in early May but this would be dependent on the emergence of a new variant.
Here are the new Covid rules for workers and businesses in South Africa – including mandatory vaccinations
Article from businesstech.co.za
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to lift the national state disaster means almost all of the country’s lockdown rules have been repealed with immediate effect.
South Africa aims to lift State of Disaster by 5 April amid regulatory confusion
Article from dailymaverick.co.za
The government wants to lift the State of Disaster by 5 April following the gazetting of new regulations aimed at guiding the country’s ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announced in a press conference on Tuesday.
UJ registrar: Students now have until 11 April to upload proof of vaccination
Article from ewn.co.za
University of Johannesburg (UJ) students who’ve been rushing to beat Thursday’s vaccine mandate deadline may breathe a sigh of relief as the upcoming Easter recess will buy them more time.
International News
WHO: COVID-19 still an emergency but nearing ‘inflection’ point
Article from ctvnews.ca
GENEVA – The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an “inflection point” where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.
Eight in 10 people in China caught Covid since early December, say officials
Article from theguardian.com
About 80% of China’s population has been infected with Covid-19 since restrictions were lifted in early December, Chinese health authorities have said.
Beijing reopens mass isolation centre in fight against Covid
Article from theguardian.com
Beijing has reopened a mass isolation centre as authorities seek to contain an outbreak of Covid-19 in the city.
Covid: World’s true pandemic death toll nearly 15 million, says WHO
Article from bbc.com
The Covid pandemic has caused the deaths of nearly 15 million people around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates.
Hunger and anger in Shanghai’s unending lockdown nightmare
Article from edition.cnn.com
(CNN) – When my 73-year-old father raised concern about his shrinking food supply late last week, the catastrophe brought by Shanghai’s citywide Covid lockdown suddenly hit home.
Covid threat being ignored in England for ideological reasons, say NHS leaders
Article from theguardian.com
Ministers should reconsider England’s “living with Covid” plans, health leaders have said, while accusing the government of ignoring the ongoing threat for ideological reasons.
COVID case rates hit highest ever level in England, influential React study finds
Article from news.sky.com
COVID-19 cases rates are at their highest ever level in England, with experts warning of an increase in hospitalisations and deaths.
Covid-related deaths rise in England with infections at record high
Article from theguardian.com
Covid-related deaths in England have jumped to their highest level since mid-February, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Whole of Shanghai enters COVID lockdown despite lower symptomatic cases
Article from reuters.com
SHANGHAI, April 5 (Reuters) – (This April 5 story corrects final paragraph to say the 23 cities account for 22% of GDP, not 13.6%.)
Covid lockdown extended in Shanghai as outbreaks put economy on the skids
Article from theguardian.com
Shanghai has been plunged into an extended lockdown and some residents face another 10 days of isolation in their homes as China’s strict zero-Covid policy threatens to derail the country’s economy.