South Africa Secures 20 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine
A patient is receiving oxygen therapy at a temporary COVID-19 ward set up in the outdoor parking lot of Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, on the 11th (local time). As the hospital was overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients exceeding its capacity, a temporary ward was established with tents in the parking lot. As of the 9th, South Africa's cumulative number of COVID-19 cases reached approximately 1.214 million, accounting for 30% of the total cases in Africa (about 3.021 million).
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on the 11th (local time) that South Africa has secured 20 million doses of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.
In a nationally televised address that evening, President Ramaphosa said, "As of today, we have secured 20 million doses of the vaccine, which will mainly be delivered in the first half of this year."
South Africa plans to vaccinate about two-thirds of its population, approximately 40 million people, in three phases this year to achieve herd immunity.
President Ramaphosa explained that efforts to secure vaccines are being made through three channels: the World Health Organization (WHO) COVAX program, collective purchases through the African Union (AU), and bilateral negotiations with vaccine manufacturers.
He also stated that nearly 190,000 new COVID-19 cases have been reported since the beginning of the new year, with 4,600 deaths among them, and that the current level 3 lockdown, which was imposed on the 28th of last month, will be adjusted but maintained. South Africa's cumulative confirmed cases exceed 1.2 million.
South Africa is currently experiencing a second wave of infections due to coronavirus variants.
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President Ramaphosa said, "We are in the eye of the storm," adding, "If we cooperate and remain resolute as we have for months, the new year will bring peace, reassurance, and health."
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