The 18-34 age group might receive their jab sooner than expected after Health Minister, Joe Phaahla reportedly said that they were in talks with Cabinet in a bid to open the Covid-19 vaccine sites for all adults by the end of the week.
This comes after it was announced that vaccinations in South Africa will be open to everyone over 18 years of age from September 1.
“We’re just waiting for further consultation, in all probability, if not at the end of this week, then the latest will be at the beginning of next week. We’re in further consultations with our leadership in Cabinet and probably before the end of this week we’ll open for all adults,” Phaahla said as per EWN.
According to News24, the vaccination rate has reportedly dropped off in recent weeks.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has also extended the national state of disaster until September 15. The previous one-month extension was due to end on Friday, August 13.
Meanwhile, a total of 48 316 tests were conducted in the last 24 hour cycle, with 10 139 new cases reported. This represents a 21% positivity rate. A further 272 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported, bringing the total fatalities to 77 141 to date.
#COVID19 UPDATE: A total of 48,316 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, with 10,139 new cases, which represents an 21% positivity rate. A further 272 #COVID19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 77,141 to date. Read more: https://t.co/6nQx5Zi37i pic.twitter.com/PfB3Nvbtj5
— NICD (@nicd_sa) August 15, 2021
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