Coronavirus update: Tutu voices support for vaccines amid pandemic
There has been an immense amount of uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine as the nation prepares to rollout doses. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic in the country.
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Numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine has exposed the doubt many harbours over the doses.
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With the government seeking to procure as many doses as possible, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has voiced his support for the vaccines.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic below:
1. Tutu vows to take Covid-19 vaccine
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his foundation have signalled their trust in the Covid-19 vaccine.
The 89-year-old vowed to be vaccinated against the virus as soon as possible in a statement released by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation:
"Vaccines have eradicated terrible diseases, such as smallpox, and we are close to using it to make others, such as polio and measles, history. Yet many are scared or wary of this simple, safe and effective way of protecting people against infectious diseases before they even come into contact with it. There is nothing to fear."
2. Mkhize on latest statistics
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again updated South Africans on the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement released by the Department of Health on Monday evening, Mkhize commented that:
"As of today the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases identified on South Africa is 1 346 936 with a total of 9 010 new cases identified since the last report."
In addition to the latest number of infections, Mkhize confirmed the recorded fatalities:
"Regrettably, we report a further 344 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported: Eastern Cape 66, Free State 11, Gauteng 63, Kwa-Zulu Natal 91, Mpumalanga 12, Northern Cape 13 and Western Cape 88. This brings the total to 37 449 deaths."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has threatened President Cyril Ramaphosa with legal action.
Steenhuisen wants Ramaphosa to divulge the details of the origin of Covid-19 vaccines intended for use within the country.
Speaking to the media, the opposition leader explained that DA lawyers had written to the President requesting information on the government's plans to secure vaccines in addition to the cost:
“Our lawyers have already written to the president setting out the extent to which the government's strategy does not meet the constitutional requirements for a comprehensive vaccine roll-out programme, in that it violates several constitutional provisions."
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Source: Briefly News
