Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma have Gazetted the extension of the National State of Disaster on COVID-19 until 15 February 2022.
According to the Minister, the extension took into account the need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by organs of state and all other role players to mitigate against the impact of the disaster on lives and livelihoods.
“People are urged to continue adherence to COVID-19 regulations. Everyone has to wear a face mask at all times, social distance, avoid closed and poorly ventilated spaces, large gatherings and wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser,” Dlamini Zuma said.
South Africa has reported 4 592 new COVID-19 cases bringing the total to 3 556 633. The death toll is also increasing after 161 deaths were reported.
As of today the cumulative number of #COVID19 cases identified in SA is 3 556 633 with 4 592 new cases reported. Today 161 deaths have been reported bringing the total to 93 278 deaths. The cumulative number of recoveries now stand at 3 360 879 with a recovery rate of 94.5% pic.twitter.com/0LsaD4IcOA
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) January 15, 2022
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Meanwhile, the Western Cape’s Education MEC Debbie Schäfer has now urged the department to scrap the one-metre social distancing rule in primary school classrooms.
According to Schäfer, the Western Cape Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been evidence-based and data-led from the very beginning.
“As early as July last year, there was a strongly worded Medical Advisory Committee recommendation setting out the devastating impact of rotational schooling and urging that at least primary schools should go back full time, regardless of the distancing requirement,” Schäfer said in a statement.
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc gallery