On Dec 24, 2020, the UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an immediate travel ban on all flights to South Africa after the detection of SARS-CoV-2 beta variant by South African scientists. The resulting travel restriction was lifted 291 days later. On Nov 25, 2021, South African scientists reported a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.529, that was subsequently designated omicron.
There has been a significant rise in new SARS-CoV-2 infections in the Gauteng Province in the last four weeks which has been attributed to the new Omicron variant announced on 24 November 2021. The first cases of Omicron were detected in the Tshwane District and coincided with the sharp rise in new infections, heralding the onset of the fourth wave in Gauteng.
The 3rd of December marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. People with disabilities are part of a highly marginalized group, who make up to at least 15% of the world’s population.
Professor Liesl Zühlke, a Paediatric Cardiologist and leader in cardiovascular medicine on the Continent has been appointed the SAMRC Vice President-Extramural Research & Internal Portfolio (VP-ERIP).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the best of international collective action and its limitations. COVID-19 vaccine development showed global cooperation at its finest. Multiple safe, highly effective vaccines were licensed in record time through an unprecedented collaborative effort.