In a speech to the nation this evening President Ramaphosa announced a number of measures to prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant.  Thankfully regulations remain at Level 1, it was announced by the President.

The President opened his Speech talking about the new Omicron variant, praising our South African scientists for their dedicated work in identifying this new variant.  He said that the variant has more mutations than the other variants, it can be detected by tests, it differs from other variants and is not related to them, and Gauteng has had a vast rise in Covid numbers, but this is spreading to other provinces too, he said.

A Fourth Wave is expected in early December, the President said, with case numbers expected to rise quickly. He said we have the tools to reduce the rise in cases, vaccinations being prime, in that they reduce severe illnesses and deaths. They are saving lives. He requested all South Africans to be vaccinated, to help save lives, to return our economy to full recovery, and to help the Tourism industry to survive. The vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective.

Currently 41% of our adult population has been vaccinated once, and 35% is fully vaccinated. 57% of 60 year olds is fully vaccinated and 53% of 50 – 60 year olds is fully vaccinated. A Booster vaccine will be coming.

The President announced that discussions are being held in how vaccination can be made mandatory for certain activities and locations.

It was requested that mass gatherings be restricted and preferably avoided.  The President referred to matric raves in particular.

Our President expressed his deep disappointment for the discriminatory travel bans instituted against South Africa and its neighbouring countries by numerous overseas countries, requesting them to urgently reverse these bans, as there is no scientific evidence to justify keeping the travel bans in place.

Lastly, he urged our population to not panic about the new Omicron variant.

The continuation of the current Level 1 regulations will be re-evaluated in one week.

Chris von Ulmenstein, WhaleTales Blog: www.whaletalesblog.com www.chrisvonulmenstein.com/blog Tel +27 082 55 11 323 Twitter:@Ulmenstein Facebook: Chris von Ulmenstein, My Cape Town Guide/Mein Kapstadt Guide Instagram: @Chrissy_Ulmenstein @MyCapeTownGuide