Corona Watch Updates

In today's Corona Watch: South African scientists probe link between variants and untreated HIV, the Real Housewives' Andy Cohen speaks about his Covid-19 breakthrough experience and local Twitter maven @ChilliQueen says her Omicron experience wasn't as "mild" as researchers say it is. With all that, the World Health Organization is urging us to postpone gatherings this festive season.

Ministry of Health and Social Services calls on people to get vaccinated - says will encourage more healthworkers to, Morocco opens vaccinations up to under 18s, 1 in 8 Covid patients likely to struggle with 'long Covid', and snake venom offers hope in fight against SARS-CoV-2

Ministry lauds healthcare workers, South Africa debating mandatory vaccines but would prefer people do so voluntarily, new study shows that symptomatic people are more likely to pass on Covid-19, and news of the C.1.2 variant found in South Africa.

Namibia records no new deaths for the first time in 131 days, concerns mount that Africa may not be able to afford Covid-19 treatment, France to donate 10 million vaccine doses to Africa, and Pfizer expects to roll out vaccine to 5-11 year olds before the end of the year.

#Jab4Tourism hoping to help attract visitors to South Africa, UAE opens to all vaccinated travellers, scientists say vaccination key to ending pandemic, and rate of mutation higher in countries with lower vaccination rates

South Africa rolling out 'pop-up' vaccination sites, Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa sees little chance of unvaccinated teachers being accommodated, and research shows hundreds of thousands of deaths prevented by vaccines in the US alone.

Namibia surpasses 202 000 first doses and nears 100 000 fully vaccinated people, Germany to stop focusing on the infection rate, two treatments for Covid-19 showing promise, and Limpopo drinkers might have to soon show their vaccination card to buy alcohol.

Namibia's vaccines are genuine says Ministry, US FDA grants full approval to Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Taiwan rolls out home-grown vaccine, and Australian business leader advises against targeting zero cases.

Vaccinations increasing in Namibia but warnings of areas of low vaccination a concern, Israel to start antibody survey of children, French anti-vaccination pass protests continue, and a new study shows that vaccinated individuals less likely to be infectious.

Namibia to allow hospital visits to Covid patients again, South Africa opens up vaccines to all over 18s and Rhodes University debates making vaccines mandatory, a new study finds blood clots a symptom of long-Covid, and booster shot necessity questioned.