Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #covid19sa
Most recents (24)
[THREAD] During the #BudgetVote2022 Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, confirmed that SA is not where it should be with the vaccine rollout, but he said that the country is still making progress. 35.1-million doses were administered as of yesterday, 9 May. 
This accounts for 19,7-million adults, or 49.5% of the adult population. And, 70% of the population has had contact with the virus and therefore have attained some natural immunity, but cases may still increase as people huddle together indoors during winter.
In response to Phaahla’s #BudgetVote2022 @EFFSouthAfrica accused @SAHPRA1 of misleading the public about the quality of #COVID19SA #vaccines. Not so, here’s why.
[Thread] 1. SA's #Omicron #COVID19 wave seems to have turned (cautiously optimistic view).
@rid1tweets:
1. Much steeper wave than previous waves, but also much shorter
2. Half the nr of days to reach the Omicron peak vs. peaks of other waves
@rid1tweets:
1. Much steeper wave than previous waves, but also much shorter
2. Half the nr of days to reach the Omicron peak vs. peaks of other waves
2. The 7 day moving average of new #COVID19 cases for #Omicron (at what seems/could be the peak of the wave) = 23 4237 vs.
- #Delta peak 19,956
- Beta peak 19,042
- D614G peak 12,584
(numbers via @CAPRISAOfficial and @HealthZA)
- #Delta peak 19,956
- Beta peak 19,042
- D614G peak 12,584
(numbers via @CAPRISAOfficial and @HealthZA)
3. Here are the 7-day moving averages of new #COVID19SA cases, hospitalisations and in-hospital #COVID deaths up until 19 Dec (via @CAPRISAOfficial, @nicd_sa and DATCOV):
- Hospital admissions and deaths, at this stage, still significantly lower than in previous waves.
- Hospital admissions and deaths, at this stage, still significantly lower than in previous waves.
#COVID19SA #JnJ Aspen Pharmacare Senior Executive, Dr Stavros Nicolaou, says a deal to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines from a drug substance supplied by Johnson & Johnson, is a big win for the continent. KB
#COVID19SA Aspen will produce coronavirus vaccines branded - Aspenovax. KB
#COVID19SA Nicolaou says “the agreement provides Aspen the licensing rights, the intellectual property, for the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine. “KB
South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla: “There is no need to panic. There is no basis for some of these leaders who have imposed these travel bans.” #Omicron #Covid19
South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla: " We want to thank our scientists. There is a saying that says you are better off dealing with an enemy you know. Now we know.” #Omicron #Covid19
“We are engaging the leaders of countries that have imposed travel bans.” Phaahla says he discussed the US travel ban US counterpart Xavier Becerra. When Becerra asked how the US could support SA, Phaahla says he responded by saying lifting the ban would be a start. #Omicron
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa: "We now know #Omnicron has far more mutations than any other previous variant... We know that variant is different from other circulating variants and that it's not directly related to the Delta or Beta variants." #COVID19
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa: " We know that #Omnicron is different from other circulating variants and that it's not directly related to the Delta or Beta variants." #COVID19sa
South African Health Minister Joseph Phaahla reacts to new #COVID19 travel bans: “The reaction of countries to impose travel bans are completely against the norms and standards as guided by the World Health Organisation." #B11529
Preliminary studies do suggest the #B11529 variant may be more transmissible, says South African Health Minister Joseph Phaahla. He emphasises that what scientists know about the #COVID19 variant is in its infancy. There is no evidence to suggest the variant makes you sicker.
South African Health Minister Joseph Phaahla: "All that we, did together with our scientists who made this discovery of the #B11529 variant, was to be in line with the norms and standards of the international community.”
Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla and Deputy Minister of Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, are expected to convene an urgent virtual media briefing at 1pm on the latest developments around #COVID19 vaccination programme.
Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla: Over the last few days, there has been more of an exponential rise in #COVID19 cases. As of yesterday, we passed the 1000 mark in new cases. The bigger number of positive cases was in GP, as of Wed at least 80% of cases cases were in GP...
Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla: Within Gauteng, Tshwane accounts for the majority of new cases. Initially it looked like the spike in cases was caused by cluster outbreaks, universities and gatherings. As of yesterday, the indication is that there is a new variant #COVID19
#JoePhaahla: Update on #COVID19SA
[THREAD]
- Active #COVID19 cases = 18 568 (a month ago = 46 577 active cases), this is a 22% reduction
- #COVID hospital admissions = 3959 yesterday (month ago: 6 173),
- New cases (last 7 days) = 22% reduction
[THREAD]
- Active #COVID19 cases = 18 568 (a month ago = 46 577 active cases), this is a 22% reduction
- #COVID hospital admissions = 3959 yesterday (month ago: 6 173),
- New cases (last 7 days) = 22% reduction
2. #JoePhaahla:
- #COVID19 fatality rate: 18% reduced over last 7 days
- + rate (% of tests coming out +): 1.7% + rate average over last 7 days (Northern Cape = higher: 5-7%, but still lower than previously)
- #COVID19 fatality rate: 18% reduced over last 7 days
- + rate (% of tests coming out +): 1.7% + rate average over last 7 days (Northern Cape = higher: 5-7%, but still lower than previously)
3. #JoePhaahla:
- Just because #COVID19SA rates are down, doesn't mean we shouldn't practice social distancing
- Countries such as Russia are going back into serious lockdown measures
- We also need to get as many people as possible to go for vaccinations before Dec
- Just because #COVID19SA rates are down, doesn't mean we shouldn't practice social distancing
- Countries such as Russia are going back into serious lockdown measures
- We also need to get as many people as possible to go for vaccinations before Dec
[Thread] Joe Phaahla: 1. Despite the downward trend in #COVID19SA cases, SA is still in its third wave. It's like a relay race: as cases in 1 province goes down, cases in another province take over.
2. Joe Phaahla: Cases in Gauteng are clearly down, but cases in the Western Cape have now taken over: over the last 7 days, the WC has taken the lead with the most new daily #COVID19 infections, active cases and hospitalisations.
3. Joe Phaahla: Nationally, SA's active #COVID19 cases have decreased by 7% over the past week and hospital admissions by 4.4%, so there is a little bit of relief on hospitals.
@Stats4Muslims Some context: The 2nd wave of SA Muslim deaths was from 1 Dec to 11Mar. Over that 100 days, we saw 1523 SA Muslim deaths. The 3rd wave started around 20th May. It's 71 days and already we've seen 1710 SA Muslim deaths. Still hesitant about the vaccine? Reminder #AllLivesMatter
@Stats4Muslims There's an anomaly in these figures. SA Muslim deaths don't compare equally to the national figures over the same 2 periods.The 2nd wave saw 29575 deaths. Up to now the 3rd wave has seen 16111 deaths. Even if we go for excess deaths, 131198 in 2nd wave & 76826 in 3rd wave to date
@Stats4Muslims I'm not sure why. Reasons could include: different provinces with larger Muslim provinces hit this time; vaccine hesitancy; super spreader events; #Covid19SA fatigue; genetics. (note that comparison are for statistical reasons as #AllLivesMatter)
#COVID19SA Aspen Pharmacare Group Senior Executive, Stavros Nicolaou, says it’s “a historic and landmark occasion“ as the first batch of J&J COVID-19 vaccines for local use, are released from its Gqeberha production facility today. KB
#COVID19SA The pharmaceutical company has confirmed the batch of J&J COVID-19 vaccine vials that’ve been locally “filled and finished” will be released to J&J today. KB
#COVID19SA Nicholaou says 1,45 million J&J COVID-19 vaccine shots will be distributed to vaccination sites across the country later this week. KB
#COVID19SA 76,4% of teachers and support staff in the Northern Cape’s basic education sector have received a COVID-19 vaccine. KB
#COVID19SA The province had a target to inoculate 14425 people in this cohort - they managed to administer shots to 11012 people. KB
#COVID19SA 3413 staff have not received a coronavirus vaccine yet. KB
#COVID19SA The National Health Department says COVID-19 vaccine registrations for people 35yrs and older will officially open tomorrow. KB
#COVID19SA Inoculations for people in this cohort will be administered from the 1st of August. KB
#COVID19SA Officials say “the national vaccination programme continues across the country despite violent protests which resulted in temporary closure of some vaccination sites in some provinces including Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.” KB
[Thread] 1. The devastating, snowball effect of unrest and looting on #COVID19SA
On Monday, @healthza reported 146, 577 vaccinations for the day — on Thursday, before protests started, we did 191, 833.
Which province had the biggest drop in vaccinations and why?
On Monday, @healthza reported 146, 577 vaccinations for the day — on Thursday, before protests started, we did 191, 833.
Which province had the biggest drop in vaccinations and why?
2. The province with the biggest drop in vaccinations is the one with the most widespread unrest: KZN. Several vaccination sites had to shut down.
On Fri, KZN did 40, 741 vaccinations, on Monday it did 3, 956 (less than a 1/10 of Fri).
On Fri, KZN did 40, 741 vaccinations, on Monday it did 3, 956 (less than a 1/10 of Fri).
3. How does this impact on our 3rd #COVID 19 wave? COVID hospitalisations are increasing. Jabs dramatically reduce someone’s chances of being hospitalised. We’re currently vaccinating people of 50+ — they’re most likely to fall ill. On Mon we had 36, 776 fewer of them vaccinated.
This graph shows a 7-day rolling average, so what we are seeing is not the "weekend effect" as the 7-day average takes that into account. This dip gives some hope!
However, it's too early to say if Gauteng has actually peaked - need to wait a few more days to confirm that..
However, it's too early to say if Gauteng has actually peaked - need to wait a few more days to confirm that..
Of course, we're not out of the woods either; the curve can turn upwards again at any time if there are any further spikes due to cluster outbreaks and possible superspreader events...
Also, the infection rate is still very high and risk remains high so need to remain vigilant...
Also, the infection rate is still very high and risk remains high so need to remain vigilant...
#Covid19SA
#vaccineswork
Q: How long we have been working on mRNA vaccines?
A: Efforts to create an mRNA vaccine have been ongoing since 1993, when scientists tested mRNA for influenza in mice.
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#vaccineswork
Q: How long we have been working on mRNA vaccines?
A: Efforts to create an mRNA vaccine have been ongoing since 1993, when scientists tested mRNA for influenza in mice.
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Q: How do vaccines work, in general?
A: Vaccines work by mimicking an infection and training the immune system to recognize SARS-Cov-2 virus.
This training allows the body to respond more rapidly when it encounters the virus in the future.
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A: Vaccines work by mimicking an infection and training the immune system to recognize SARS-Cov-2 virus.
This training allows the body to respond more rapidly when it encounters the virus in the future.
2/
Q: How do vaccines mimic an infection & train the immune system to recognize the virus?
A: This is usually done by introducing a weakened or inactivated version of the pathogen or parts from it, such as proteins, into the body.
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A: This is usually done by introducing a weakened or inactivated version of the pathogen or parts from it, such as proteins, into the body.
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JUST IN: SA has recorded 16,585 new #Covid19 cases in the last 24-hours.
A total of 54,879 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, representing a 30.2% positivity rate. 333 people have since passed due to #Covid19 complications in the last 24-hours.
A total of 54,879 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, representing a 30.2% positivity rate. 333 people have since passed due to #Covid19 complications in the last 24-hours.
Out of the 16,585 new #Covid19 cases, 9,443 are in Gauteng.
KZN reporting 1,166 and Western Cape 1,784
#Covid19SA #ThirdWave #DeltaVariant
KZN reporting 1,166 and Western Cape 1,784
#Covid19SA #ThirdWave #DeltaVariant
7-day moving average number of new #Covid19 cases by province:
BREAKING: South Africa records 24,270 new #Covid19 cases in the last 24-hours. This is the highest the country has recorded in a day. 14,198 are in Gauteng.
A total of 88,738 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, with 24,270 new cases, which represents a 27.4% positivity rate. A further 303 #Covid19 related deaths have been reported.
An increase of 627 hospital admissions have been reported in the past 24 hours. #DeltaVariant #ThirdWave #Covid19SA
##Covid19SA
Can COVID-19 Cause Diabetes? Research points to another "troubling" effect of COVID-19: new cases of diabetes.
SARS-COV-2 is NOT like other viruses. It causes severe inflammation throughout the body, wreaking havoc on respiratory system, heart, brain, and kidneys
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Can COVID-19 Cause Diabetes? Research points to another "troubling" effect of COVID-19: new cases of diabetes.
SARS-COV-2 is NOT like other viruses. It causes severe inflammation throughout the body, wreaking havoc on respiratory system, heart, brain, and kidneys
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The studies, both NIH-supported pre-proof studies available in the journal Cell Metabolism, confirm "that:
☆SARS-CoV-2 can target and impair the body's insulin-producing cells." This, as a result, can lead to diabetes.
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☆SARS-CoV-2 can target and impair the body's insulin-producing cells." This, as a result, can lead to diabetes.
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How does the virus cause diabetes?
lab studies found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was capable of not only infecting human beta cells, but was also able to replicate inside of them, allowing it to invade other cells, too.
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lab studies found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was capable of not only infecting human beta cells, but was also able to replicate inside of them, allowing it to invade other cells, too.
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#COVID19SA Ministers serving on the National Coronavirus Command Council is giving more details, per sector, on the Adjusted Level 4 restrictions. KB
#COVID19SA Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says inter-provincial travel to and from Gauteng for leisure remains prohibited. KB
#COVID19SA Police Minister Bheki Cele welcomes government’s announcement that the vaccination drive for police and security cluster will commence on the 5th of July. KB
#COVID19SA The #NorthernCape Education Department says it’s “making steady progress” in administering COVID-19 jabs to teachers and support staff. KB
#COVID19SA 3129 shots have been administered to this cohort since the 23rd of June. KB
#COVID19SA Officials say “the initial phase of vaccinations was earmarked for those aged 48 and above” but they’ve dropped the age restrictions in order to increase their vaccination rate. KB
[Thread]
South Africa’s #unemployment rate increased by 0,1 of a percentage point to 32,6% in Q1:2021 compared to Q4:2020.
Read more here: bit.ly/3c88aCg
#StatsSA
South Africa’s #unemployment rate increased by 0,1 of a percentage point to 32,6% in Q1:2021 compared to Q4:2020.
Read more here: bit.ly/3c88aCg
#StatsSA
#COVID19SA had an impact on data collection of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS).
Read more here: bit.ly/3c88aCg
#StatsSA #unemployment #employment
Read more here: bit.ly/3c88aCg
#StatsSA #unemployment #employment
There were about 28 000 fewer people employed in Q1:2021 than Q4:2020.
Read more here: bit.ly/3c88aCg
#StatsSA #unemployment #employment
Read more here: bit.ly/3c88aCg
#StatsSA #unemployment #employment
[Thread] Today's #COVID19sa provincial vaccine rollout by numbers - according to last night's national health department briefing. (Note: Provinces didn't all provide the same info & designated sites have not been updated on the nat'l website) #VaccineRolloutSA #Phase2
2/10 Eastern Cape #Phase2 :
Healthcare workers vaccinated: 67%
#COVID19sa vaccine sites launching today: 25
Senior citizens registered: 74,000
Initial vaccine doses received: ~16,000 out 43,000 allocated
#VaccineRolloutSA
Register here: sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
Healthcare workers vaccinated: 67%
#COVID19sa vaccine sites launching today: 25
Senior citizens registered: 74,000
Initial vaccine doses received: ~16,000 out 43,000 allocated
#VaccineRolloutSA
Register here: sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
3/10 Free State #Phase2
Healthcare workers vaccinated: 24000; 12000 left
#COVID19sa vaccine sites launching today: 2
Senior citizens registered: 37,741 out of 280,000 targeted
#VaccineRolloutSA
Register here: sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
Healthcare workers vaccinated: 24000; 12000 left
#COVID19sa vaccine sites launching today: 2
Senior citizens registered: 37,741 out of 280,000 targeted
#VaccineRolloutSA
Register here: sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize: 5-million senior citizens will be vaccinated by the end of June if vaccines flow as expected. Tomorrow vaccination starts with 83 sites in the public sector & four in the private sector for 60+ & remaining healthcare workers #COVID19sa #COVID19
Mkhize: More than 1.2 million senior citizens have registered on the EVD citizens. Tomorrow, vaccine sites will not take senior citizen walk-ins #COVID19 #COVID19sa sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
If you or a loved one is a senior has received a voucher for a vaccine, please make sure to bring with:
1) ID / Passport / Drivers' liscense
2) Medical aid number
Don't forget to register if you are 60+ #COVID19sa #COVID19 sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
1) ID / Passport / Drivers' liscense
2) Medical aid number
Don't forget to register if you are 60+ #COVID19sa #COVID19 sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/
