According to the Bureau for Economic Research (BER), new daily Covid-19 cases continue to rise sharply with indications pointing to the introduction of new lockdown restrictions.
In a research note released on Monday, the BER said that Covid-19 cases are increasing in all provinces with it seemingly driven by the Omicron-variant.
“A week ago, Gauteng was responsible for more than 70% of new daily infections. This has come down to 40-45%. The countrywide seven-day rolling average of new cases moved to well above 16,000 over the weekend, from around 10,000 a week ago,” it said.
“The latest indications are that the National Coronavirus Command Council will meet this week, implying that President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to address the nation sometime in the upcoming week.”
The BER said that incoming data shows that the more infectious Omicron variant has so far led to fewer hospitalizations and fatalities in South Africa.
“Therefore, we still expect any tightening of lockdown restrictions to largely focus on curbing the size of especially indoor gatherings,” the BER said.
According to reports, Ramaphosa is expected to hold a meeting with the NCCC this week to discuss potential adjustments before the start of the festive season on Thursday.
Specific concerns have been raised around the high number of gatherings expected to take place during the festive season. According to a source, other adjustments around the sale of alcohol has been mooted.
“He is considering proposing to the NCCC and cabinet a few adjustments, which include banning the sale of alcohol on weekends and public holidays until mid-January. Don’t be surprised when we have a family meeting before Thursday. He is serious about protecting the country.”
South Africa reported 18,035 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, taking the total reported to 3,167,497.
Deaths have reached 90,137 (+21), while recoveries have climbed to 2,913,232, leaving the country with a balance of 164,128 active cases. The total number of vaccines administered is 27,090,975 (+12,397).
Sources: BusinessTech, MSN
Follow FiND iT on Facebook here.
ALSO READ: New Zealand man charged for taking up to 10 Covid vaccines a day for other people
