President of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Doctor Kgosi Letlape says COVID-19 vaccines administered in South Africa, are the same as those administered in other parts of the world.
Letlape was reacting to the United Kingdom’s decision to keep South Africa on their travel red list, saying it is unfounded.
He says the rules are not consistent with Britain’s approach to other countries.
“Well the vaccines are the same, globally we are using the same vaccines from the same sources. It just becomes an issue of the numbers that are vaccinated. But more importantly, what you should be looking at is the positivity rate and the number of cases in the country. Irrespective of the vaccine rate,” Doctor Letlape explains.
Kenya and Egypt removed from red list
Travellers from South Africa remained on the United Kingdom red list while those from Kenya and Egypt now move to amber, meaning they will be allowed into the United Kingdom from Wednesday after Britain revised its COVID-19 travel list.
Kenyans were relieved following the news which is likely to be a boost for tourism, which is currently in high season.
South Africa has protested the decision to keep on the red list, arguing that there is no reasonable basis for UK’s decision.
VIDEO: Kenya and Egypt removed from United Kingdom’s red list
