With weve made it to the life raft. Dry land is far away.- Marc Lipsitch (epidemiologist) March 2021
The above quote is appropriate; the daily outpouring of news on the twists and turns of this pandemic are and yet, many people across the globe have adapted to a new normal which largely translates to fatigue and simply moving on. We dont talk about it quite as much, there are many conspiracy theories and lately, the conversation has zoomed in on the who espouse all manner of theory, largely lacking in logic, but undoubtedly, they are putting themselves at far greater risk than those vaccinated. For many people, has slipped off the front page.
A quick, around the globe review, strongly suggests that this virus and its little army of mutants, is causing more chaos and concern than ever before. In Brazil, they have hit top speed with their vaccination program with 2 million doses per day being achieved in the month of July. Sao Paulo, the most populous city, has achieved 97 percent first dose vaccination of their adult population. Across the country 64 percent of the adult population has received their first
vaccination putting them ahead of the USA. Contrast this with Africa where it is estimated that just over 3 percent of the population has been vaccinated. Brazil is not out the woods with the country still experiencing infections but at a far lower level than prior to the ramping up of vaccinations. The unpredictability of this virus is best illustrated by whats happening in New Zealand. A week ago, nationwide curbs were lifted; a week later there are certain areas now as the infection rate picks up to a reported 94 cases! Contrast this number with our daily average currently of 261 infections (that are known about, who knows what the real number is considering those infected showing no symptoms?). Israel was rated a model country in terms of a very high vaccination rate and low infection rate. has a party spoiler with infections rising at an alarming rate there and has unleashed a drive to provide the population with a third vaccination shot. The progress of this virus resembles the motion of a chameleon (except, at a much faster pace); one tentative step forward and bang, a few steps back. The World Health Organisation score sheet
as at 13th September; 224 million confirmed cases, 4,6 million deaths and 3 billion full vaccine doses. South Africas situation is as follows; 2,8 million confirmed cases, 84,8 thousand deaths. What is intriguing, and disturbing, is that only 18 percent of the adult population is fully vaccinated. Our geniuses in the Command Council and Health Services who sprout forth spasmodically on have gone on record stating that at least 60 percent of the adult population will be vaccinated by end 2021. Rough numbers; that leaves an estimated 26 million adults to be vaccinated in this time translating to roughly 2,2 million people per week! We have struggled to achieve 1 million doses in our best week so one wonders how these people do the maths.
An intriguing smorgasbord of previously unanticipated virus impacts continue to unravel. The virus is now infecting children in ever increasing numbers in many countries and the spotlight has swung to vaccinating those over 12 years of age. But there is a health care workers and those vulnerable to infection in the 18 and over age group will need booster vaccinations first. Studies have shown that the immunity one gets from being vaccinated
Melbourne scene. Empty streets, masks, social distancing and dont venture more than 5 kilometres from home.
wanes after six to eight months. Many countries are about to offer booster shots. This is against the back drop of about 8,5 percent of confirmed cases globally being in children under 18 years old. In the USA, children between 12 and 15 years made up 4 percent of cases, but thankfully none of them had died.
