Ramaphosa reveals COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan for SA
President Cyril Ramaphosa's urging us to get behind South Africa's Covid-19 vaccination rollout plan, saying they've already secured some 20 million doses of the jab, so far.
He says these doses would be delivered mainly in the first half of the year. And he's noted the variety of conspiracies swirling around inoculations.
"There are still some in our country who are sceptical about vaccines, and there are much disinformation and conspiracy theories being spread about the COVID-19 vaccines. yet vaccines have been used to eradicate diseases such as smallpox and polio," says Ramaphosa.
Breaking down the rollout plan, Ramaphosa told the country last night, that phase one would prioritise around 1,2 million frontline healthcare workers.
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Essential workers such as teachers, police, municipal workers and other frontline personnel would receive the jab during phase 2.
"We will administer vaccinations through hospitals, clinics, outreach services and mobile clinics, and private settings such as doctor’s offices, pharmacies and workplaces."
South Africa's land borders are now closed for a month to counter huge congestion in these areas and worries over an unprecedented resurgence in Covid-19.
"This has exposed many people to the infection as they wait to be processed. The ports of entry that are currently open will closed. These include the six busiest border posts, which are Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg and Kopfontein," he adds.
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Exceptions were made including travel for school and medical reasons and the cross-border transport of fuel, cargo and goods.
President Ramaphosa extended the current lockdown regulations, under alert level 3.
This means that social gatherings, including religious meetings and political events, are not allowed.
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President #Ramaphosa: The hours of curfew will now start at 9pm and end earlier, at 5am. pic.twitter.com/xE0rpaC6Tr
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) January 11, 2021
There cannot be more than 50 people at a funeral. Restaurants, museums and gyms will continue to operate under strict regulations.
There's still a ban on the sale of alcohol from retail outlets as well as the on-site consumption of liquor.
Masks are compulsory in public. Our curfew's been eased slightly and will now be in force between 9pm and 5am.
Discussions are still under way on the reopening of schools. More information will be shared soon.
