As has been the case in recent months, the number of new infections related to COVID-19 in South Africa is relatively low at the beginning of the week.

While we wait to see whether that changes in the coming days, South Africans are looking for any signs that we are officially out of the fourth wave of infections.

For now though, we still need to contend with the spread of the virus, with government prioritising its vaccination rollout in a bid to better cope with future waves.

Looking at the latest report from the National Department of Health (NDoH), 1 332 new cases have been recorded over the past 24 hours, as the total number of infections recorded to date climbs to 3 582 691.

The department also notes that 88 fatalities have been reported, with the NDoH still under an audit process which impacts the timing of reporting when it comes to deaths. To that end, 14 of the 88 have been recorded between 24 and 48 hours ago.

The death toll related to COVID-19 in South Africa has reached 94 265 as a result. The NDoH also notes that the recovery rate has not moved and remains at 95.3 percent.

As for the aforementioned vaccine rollout, the past 24 hours has seen 78 888 jabs administered, as turnout to sites begins to pick up. As of 17:00 on 24th January 2022, a total of 29 452 653 vaccines have been administered.

The full outlook for COVID-19 in South Africa follows on below:

• COVID-19 Connect on WhatsApp – add 0600 123 456 as a contact and say “Hi”.
• World Health Organisation
• SA Coronavirus website
• SA Government
• SA Presidency

[Image – Photo by Roger Bradshaw on Unsplash]