COVID-19

Dr Joe Phaahla has confirmed that Gauteng has surpassed the latest wave of COVID-19 infections. Image: GCIS/ Flickr

Vaccine mandates for SA? NCCC to receive recommendations – Phaahla

Vaccine mandates have been a bone of contention in South Africa, particularly since government started with its vaccination rollout

COVID-19

Dr Joe Phaahla has confirmed that Gauteng has surpassed the latest wave of COVID-19 infections. Image: GCIS/ Flickr

Vaccine mandates could be in the pipeline for South Africa as Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says engagements are ongoing – and government will soon appear before the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), on a way forward.

Phaahla gave an update on the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday morning, 4 March 2022.

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PHAAHLA: VACCINE MANDATES ‘A SERIOUS TOPIC’

It is no secret that vaccine mandates have been a bone of contention, particularly since government started with the rollout – something which Joe Phaahla took note of.

“The issue of vaccine mandates remains a serious topic in our midst in the population. Senior government officials have been having senior consultations with various stakeholders including at Nedlac and they should be ready to report to the next National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) [meeting] with recommendations”

“While there are differing views, the undisputed fact is that the more people vaccinate, the more we can open up the economy and there can be more social interaction,”

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a special task team that will consider vaccine mandates. The team would then report back to the Interministerial Task Team on vaccines, which is headed by Deputy President David Mabuza.

At the same time, the minister bemoaned the fact that government hasn’t been able to meet its 70% vaccination target. He has further urged South Africans to line up for their jabs as this would result in government further opening up the economy.

“The biggest drawback is the young population between 18 and 34 years of age. We need at least 5 million more of this age group (to vaccinate) so that they can boost their coverage to at least 60% which will also push the national coverage closer to at least 60%,” he added.

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