Covid-19 update: Over 17 000 new cases, SA's distrust in vaccine high
The distrust in the Covid-19 vaccine has become apparent after a survey released its results. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic in South Africa.
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The vaccine has become a hot topic amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with high hopes that it will aid the world in flattening the curve.
However, a recent survey has revealed that the level of trust in the vaccines is not very high.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic below:
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1. Only 53% of SA willing to take the vaccine
Professor Shabir Madhi has signalled his surprise that South Africans are amongst the least willing to give the Covid-19 vaccine a shot.
eNCA reports that a 15-nation survey has been conducted by IPSOS and the World Economic Forum and found that only 53% of citizens would get the vaccine.
Madhi provided some insight as to why so many are reluctant, saying that there is now 'a lot of uncertainty' regarding the vaccine.
However, similar situations have been seen in other nations ahead of vaccination programs:
" That being said, even in the United State before vaccination program, the number of people in the US that indicated they would be vaccinated was roughly the same percentage -- about 55 percent a few months ago, over time that number actually changed."
2. Mkhize on latest statistics
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again provided South Africans with an update on the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement released by the Department of Health on Wednesday evening, Mkhize commented that:
"As of today the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases identified is 1 039 161 with 17 710 (positivity rate 33%) cases identified since the last report. The positivity rate, being an indicator of the rapidity of spread, remains of major concern."
In addition to this troublesome surge in infections, the Minister confirmed the latest fatalities:
"Regrettably, 465 more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 88, Free State 4, Gauteng 41, Kwa-Zulu Natal 144, Limpopo 16, Northern Cape 7 and Western Cape 165. This brings the total deaths to 28 033 deaths."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that a recent report noted that top funeral homes in the Eastern Cape are running out of coffins as funerals are being held on a daily basis instead of weekly.
The demand for larger coffins has also spiked as overweight citizens succumb to Covid-19 with the owner of a funeral parlour confirming that he has been ordering oversized coffins twice a week instead of twice a year.
The owner commented that, in comparison to last December, his parlour had used 140% more coffins this year during the same period of time.
In a bid to increase capacity, the owner had resorted to converting shipping containers into storage, something that has been needed in 19 branches across the country.
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Source: Briefly News
