1 275 new coronavirus cases recorded in SA as WHO raises concern over surging infections globally

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reported 1 275 new COVID-19 cases that have been identified in South Africa, which brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 2 950 035.

This as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has registered concern over the high number of surging COVID-19 infections globally.

Europe alone accounts for 60% of all new cases in the last week, creating some level of panic in the individual countries. The new daily cases in the world is over half a million.

WHO says it’s worrisome to see the high infection rate even in countries with extensive vaccine coverage.

Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, who was addressing the weekly COVID-19 briefing in Geneva earlier on Wednesday, says vaccines have created a false sense of security.

The increase in latest numbers in South Africa as per the statement released earlier evening, represents a 3.6% positivity rate. The majority of new cases today are from Gauteng (80%), followed by Western Cape for 5%.

A  further 22 COVID-19 related deaths have been also been reported, bringing total fatalities to 89 657 to date.

A total of 19 279 975 tests have been conducted in both the public and private sectors.

Below are the latest coronavirus statistics: 

WHO says it has no clear indication from COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers on when they will be able to fulfil the COVAX deals. More than 50 countries have missed the global body’s target of having 10% of national populations vaccinated by September this year.

Most of those countries are in Africa with a huge dependence on COVAX distributed vaccines.

WHO special advisor, Bruce Aylward says they’ve had improved talks with manufacturers to provide the drugs but no set timeline has been given. He was addressing the weekly COVID-19 press briefing in Geneva