Fortunately, the majority of the 17 students who have tested positive for COVID-19 since 1 December, have been vaccinated and are less likely to become seriously ill.

They are all isolating, as well as their contacts for the prescribed ten days. One staff member is also recovering from COVID-19.

There had been no cases among students nor staff members since September until now.

Vaccinate now

The sudden increase in infections in the country (a further 13 143 new cases yesterday, 6381 the previous day, and the 11 125 before that), should serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to be vaccinated, given increasing evidence that those who have been vaccinated rarely need hospital treatment should they contract the virus.

Staff vaccinations

We are pleased to share that almost 70% of all Mandela University contract and permanent staff are now fully vaccinated, according to statistics gathered by Occupational Health (see adjacent pie chart).

University Vaccination Centre

The University’s Vaccination Centre is still open daily from 9am to 3pm and till midday on Fridays to anyone over the age of 12. It will close at 11am on Wednesday, 15 December, when the institution closes for recess. Vaccination opportunities are, however, now freely and widely available and remain as our best defence against the virus, including the new variant.

Student vaccinations

While the exact number of Mandela University students who have been vaccinated is not known because of lack of access to the national Electronic Vaccination Data System, Student Health Services has dispensed more than 5300 vaccinations to students both on and off campus. Most have received the one-shot Johnson and Johnson jab.

There has also been a pleasing uptake among the 18- to 34-year group since the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national update on Sunday 28 November about the new omicron variant discovered by South African scientists, the subsequent international travel bans on southern African countries and the urgent need to be vaccinated.

The country is aiming to have 70% of adults, aged 50 and above, vaccinated with at least one shot by later this month.

Presently, according to the Department of Health, the one-dose figures stand at:

• 60-plus – 65%
• 50-59 – 60%
• 35-49 - 47%
• 18-34 – 28%

Early Omicron findings

While scientists warn that it is too early to pronounce on Omicron variant which first appeared in early November and has already led to a fourth wave of infections in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal, doctors have anecdotally shared that while numbers of infections are high, the need for hospitalisation to date is low and that cases are mainly mild.

Additionally, the unvaccinated and those under the age of 50 are those who are landing up in hospital but often without the need for oxygen support, as has been the case in previous waves.

Call for vigilance

The safety and security of our staff and students has always been our guiding principle, and so as we head towards recess, please remain vigilant.

Apart from vaccinations, please continue to sanitise and wash your hands, practice social distancing, wear your mask and avoid large gatherings.

Vaccination Rollout Workstream