DEVELOPING: Coronavirus COVID-19 in Cape Town. Updates + practical tips

New Covid variant detected in South Africa + SA placed on back on travel red list

Last update: Friday, 26 November 2021

COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS

• BREAKING: New Covid-19 variant detected in South Africa
  
  
• Countries impose travel restrictions on SA amid new variant discovery
  
  
• Covid-19 statistics in the Western Cape and South Africa

NEW COVID-19 VARIANT IN SA: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

South African scientists have detected a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.529 and are currently working to understand its effects. 

In a media briefing by the Health Department, scientist Dr Tulio de Oliveira said that the new variant has a “unique constellation of more than 30 mutations to the spike protein”, a component of the virus that attaches to cells, according to the CNBC.

As reported by the news agency, cases have been mostly reported from Gauteng, says Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla.  

SA ON SEVERAL TRAVEL BANS 

Due to the new discovery some nations countries, such as the UK have placed precautionary measures on travel from southern Africa. Read more on travel restrictions on our getting around update. 

COVID-19 UPDATE IN WESTERN CAPE: THE SITUATION NOW

The Western Cape had administered 4 055 520 vaccines as of 26 November and the recorded 886 active cases of Covid-19 (currently infected patients), with a total of 525 292 confirmed cases, according to the Western Cape government’s dashboard. 

Below are the Western Cape stats, according to the WC government’s dashboard as of 26 November: 

• 504 203 recorded recoveries
   
• 20 203 deaths
  
  
• 886 active cases

COVID-19 IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE SITUATION NOW

As of 25 November, the National Department of Health had administered a total of 25 123 452 vaccines. So far, the national total of reported cases stands at 2 952 500 cases. Here are the official figures, according to the Department of Health:

• 2 843 961 recorded recoveries, with a 96,3% recovery rate
  
  
• 19 318 050 tests have been conducted
  
  
• 89 771 total deaths
  
  
• 18 768 active cases 

WATCH: DOCTORS DEBUNK 13 VACCINE MYTHS

Make an informed choice about getting the Covid-19 vaccine by watching Science Insider’s Debunked series, where scientists Dr Nipunie Rajapakse and Dr Maria Elena Bottazzi debunk 13 myths about the Covid-19 vaccine. Some of these include the dependence of herd immunity to avoid vaccination, receiving vaccines that carry diseases and more. 

SA MOVES TO LEVEL 1 + NEW REGULATIONS

Plus we are at level 1 since President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech on Thursday, 30 September. 

Ramaphosa eased some restrictions: sales for off-site alcohol consumption open from Monday - Friday, curfew extended by an hour to midnight - 4am and the increase of indoor gatherings to 750 people and 2000 people outdoors. Find the full details here.

Developments in the country's response to the #COVID19 pandemic #StaySafe https://t.co/73LT2SWAWE

— Cyril Ramaphosa ???????? #VoteANC (@CyrilRamaphosa) September 30, 2021

THESE ARE THE BASICS TO STAYING SAFE

Here’s how we can stay safe according to the official coronavirus website:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. It’s still one of the most effective ways to keep the virus at bay.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    

HOW SOUTH AFRICA EASES IN AND OUT OF LOCKDOWN

There is a risk-adjusted lockdown strategy in place. There are 5 levels, which will work similarly to loadshedding. These levels are implemented based on the number of new infections and healthcare-system readiness. We are currently under level 2 lockdown. 

For the latest regulation changes that should come with a new level, read our lockdown news update.

By Hloni Manare

---

For further reading

Make the most of your holiday season with our rejuvenated list of things to do.

Here’s what you need to know about SA’s newest airline, Lift.

Upskill your life with free and discounted short-courses

---

Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.