After the commander in chief announced last night that SA has moved to lockdown level 1 – many thoughts crossed South Africans’ minds. The stadiums that once boomed with a thousand unified voices seemed closer than ever. The smell of the groove and unity that comes with festivals washed over the minds of some. Despite people’s respective summer wishes, one thing was certain as Ramaphosa dropped the positive bombshell – we were one step closer to what we once knew. But realistically, how close is ‘close’?
President Ramaphosa is dropping hints at a hot vaxx summer
Ramaphosa indicated in his national address that if 70% of the population is vaccinated, then we might be allowed to enjoy some of the activities we’ve missed out on. It seems that Uncle Cyril himself was already preparing for summer energy as he rocked his coolest shirt – a big step from the days where a suit, tie and mask over the eyes marked his attire.
If we reach the 70% marking, sporting activities could be on the cards, and with it, fans being allowed back into the stadiums. Gatherings have already been permitted with 750 indoors and a stealthy 2 000 outdoors. A 50% capacity for venues certainly sounds like a recipe for a party. With the relaxed levels, we might just see an uptake in festivals.
Beyond entertainment, the presidency also indicated that the 70% target could help save up to 20 000 lives.
How close are we to 70% of the population being vaxxed?
Currently, over 8.6 million people are fully vaccinated, representing a fifth of the population. 17 million vaccine doses have been administered. In order to reach the nod of 70%, an additional 16 million vaccine doses would need to take place.
What could hinder ‘Ramaparty’s’ hot vaxx summer?
Well, beyond anti-vaxxers, super-spreader events could also throw a spanner in the works.
In terms of super spreader events, Ramaphosa made a note on campaigning. The manifesto launch of the ANC and EFF were accused of being super-spreader situations in Gauteng recently.
You are ‘free’ to choose
“We want to socialise freely again at restaurants, taverns and theatres, and we want to travel freely whenever and wherever we choose. These freedoms, which we all long for, are within our reach,” Ramaphosa expressed.
“But we will only be able to get there if we are all vaccinated and we all continue to observe the basic health protocols,” he added.
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