COVID-19 in SOUTH AFRICA

[Calculon]

no new information, but a good summary of our vaccine fuck up

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56944400

[Blake]

Whoop whoop. Just got an invite to participate in tje J&J Sisonke trial.

will hopefully get my invitation code and appointment slot soon.

[Sandstorm]

Whoop whoop. Just got an invite to participate in tje J&J Sisonke trial.

Are you appearing for the prosecution or the defence?

[Blake]

Oh dear, I am beginning to suspect this was some administrative fuck-up.
All the documentation and correspondence makes me think that they think I'm a healthworker.

My excitement might be short-lived. Need to clear this up first. Hopefully they threw in a bunch of random civilians as a control or something.
Holding thumbs.

[Blake]

Yep...complete shambles.

Because I registered during the "Healthworker Registration Period" they flagged me as a participant, even though I clearly indicated that I wasn't on the enrollment form.
God knows how many other people received that same SMS this morning who also just registered when the enrollment link started making the rounds.
I know a bunch of people from my office also registered around that time.

Now their support center is buckling due to the confusion, and who knows how many are going to be shown away at the site when they arrive without a Health Facility Employment card?

Hopefully they'll decide "Fuck it" and just keep running with it as the admin to undo the screw up might be too difficult.

[Calculon]

When you registered didn't you have to indicate you are a health worker to register?

At least when I've gone to the registration sites you either have to be 60+ for the one site, or a health worker for the other site

[Fangle]

Anecdotal only. My brothers farm near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. They say that they had heard of a number of covid cases a few months ago, but nothing for months. Their doctor has only had one case recently, and that was in Bloemfontein, and he is already thinking that herd immunity is starting to happen.

[Blake]

When you registered didn't you have to indicate you are a health worker to register?

At least when I've gone to the registration sites you either have to be 60+ for the one site, or a health worker for the other site

When I initially registered the site was SUPER buggy. It was Day 1 or 2 after it launched.

There was a question if you were a Healthcare worker, I clearly stipulated that I was not. I assumed it would just put me at the top of the list for Phase 3. I didn't get any validation failures in the form or any communication via SMS at the time. My parents got around to registering a day or two later, and they got an SMS saying they were successfully registered but would only form part of Phase 2 of the roll-out.

It seems like they had updated the Registration Form between my registration and theirs. My assumption is that I used to register used the "Are you a heathcare worker" to distinguish between doctors, nurses, paramedics etc, and hospital administrators, cleaners, kitchen staff and security, and another question was later added to differentiate between non-medical hospital staff and normal civilians. I don't think they anticipated that the enrollment URL would make it's way to the general public and that non-Healthcare workers would be registering.

So they just used my enrollment date, assumed I worked at a medical facility based on the regostration date, but that I just one of the support staff there. Something like that.

Understandable mistake since I was so early in the process, but still disappointing nonetheless. I thought I'd won the lottery and was part of a randomised group of civilians to be added to the study or something.

[Blake]

Anecdotal only. My brothers farm near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. They say that they had heard of a number of covid cases a few months ago, but nothing for months. Their doctor has only had one case recently, and that was in Bloemfontein, and he is already thinking that herd immunity is starting to happen.

Would be amazing if that's the case; but we have to remember that "herd immunity" is hyper regional. Even if we get 95% vaccinations nationally, if there is a town or township where that number is only 30%, that area could be in big trouble. There might very well be clusters in the Eastern Cape where herd immunity has been achieved to some extent, but in the urban centers I think it is going to be very unlikely to be achieved without vaccinations.

[handyman]

My medical aid said they will advise me when I need to register.

[Sards]

Handyman. Almost done with an American styled eatery at the driving range in Somerset West. Opening soon. Called Fancy Frank's. Built a huge smoker for them. Looks rusted to shit but that's the look they want. Its like an old barn. Give it a shot. Old Primi

[Calculon]

When you registered didn't you have to indicate you are a health worker to register?

At least when I've gone to the registration sites you either have to be 60+ for the one site, or a health worker for the other site

When I initially registered the site was SUPER buggy. It was Day 1 or 2 after it launched.

There was a question if you were a Healthcare worker, I clearly stipulated that I was not. I assumed it would just put me at the top of the list for Phase 3. I didn't get any validation failures in the form or any communication via SMS at the time. My parents got around to registering a day or two later, and they got an SMS saying they were successfully registered but would only form part of Phase 2 of the roll-out.

It seems like they had updated the Registration Form between my registration and theirs. My assumption is that I used to register used the "Are you a heathcare worker" to distinguish between doctors, nurses, paramedics etc, and hospital administrators, cleaners, kitchen staff and security, and another question was later added to differentiate between non-medical hospital staff and normal civilians. I don't think they anticipated that the enrollment URL would make it's way to the general public and that non-Healthcare workers would be registering.

So they just used my enrollment date, assumed I worked at a medical facility based on the regostration date, but that I just one of the support staff there. Something like that.

Understandable mistake since I was so early in the process, but still disappointing nonetheless. I thought I'd won the lottery and was part of a randomised group of civilians to be added to the study or something.

OK, I think the sisonke trail is only for health care workers and politicians but I will be pissed off if you get vaccinated as part of it cos I want to vaccinated ASAP, hhh

[handyman]

Handyman. Almost done with an American styled eatery at the driving range in Somerset West. Opening soon. Called Fancy Frank's. Built a huge smoker for them. Looks rusted to shit but that's the look they want. Its like an old barn. Give it a shot. Old Primi

Shot boet. Just need to get May behind me, super busy at the moment.

I've been eyeing smokers for a while now, want to buy 1, but not sure if I should go offset or UDS.

[Sards]

Handyman. Almost done with an American styled eatery at the driving range in Somerset West. Opening soon. Called Fancy Frank's. Built a huge smoker for them. Looks rusted to shit but that's the look they want. Its like an old barn. Give it a shot. Old Primi

Shot boet. Just need to get May behind me, super busy at the moment.

I've been eyeing smokers for a while now, want to buy 1, but not sure if I should go offset or UDS.

I built a monster one for them. 2 tons. Had to crane it onto site. Built a reverse smoker. When the rains are done going to convert to a direct smoker. The manager prefers direct to reverse. Who knows why. I suppose it's what he is used to. Anyway. Give it a shot and let me know. I was invited to the opening party. Most of the crowd going on have hired accommodation there and its a vokken long way to drive home pissed. Most times I can't remember the drive home. May still go. Let's see. But let me know if you go. Long low smoked brisket sounds awesome . There's also regular stuff on some charcoal fired products I supplied them.

[handyman]

Handyman. Almost done with an American styled eatery at the driving range in Somerset West. Opening soon. Called Fancy Frank's. Built a huge smoker for them. Looks rusted to shit but that's the look they want. Its like an old barn. Give it a shot. Old Primi

Shot boet. Just need to get May behind me, super busy at the moment.

I've been eyeing smokers for a while now, want to buy 1, but not sure if I should go offset or UDS.

I built a monster one for them. 2 tons. Had to crane it onto site. Built a reverse smoker. When the rains are done going to convert to a direct smoker. The manager prefers direct to reverse. Who knows why. I suppose it's what he is used to. Anyway. Give it a shot and let me know. I was invited to the opening party. Most of the crowd going on have hired accommodation there and its a vokken long way to drive home pissed. Most times I can't remember the drive home. May still go. Let's see. But let me know if you go. Long low smoked brisket sounds awesome . There's also regular stuff on some charcoal fired products I supplied them.

Very cool. Have to be a good day if you can spend it outside, smoking a big cut of meat and having a few drinks.

[Sards]

First 2 times on site it was stunning weather and no wind. Since then we have had to make alterations because the wind blows there. Like all the vokken time.

[OomStruisbaai]

SA records 2,191 new COVID cases, health dept confirms variants from India, UK

Dinge begin lelik lyk.

https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/sa ... spartanntp

[Rinkals]

[Calculon]

Thanks for that, my gut feeling is that there is no way in hell that they are going to get 40.4 million people fully vaccinated by the end of January next year. Hopefully wouldn't matter if they manage to get 80+ % of older folks and those who are immunocompromised vaccinated

[Blake]

Thanks for that, my gut feeling is that there is no way in hell that they are going to get 40.4 million people fully vaccinated by the end of January next year. Hopefully wouldn't matter if they manage to get 80+ % of older folks and those who are immunocompromised vaccinated

I think the plan is conservative, but rather have something than nothing.

I'm less concerned about the roll-out, than the procurement. In my experience, albeit in another sector, when you have a product that is in high demand, your ability to make sales is only stifled by the supply.
That timeline was built on "planned supply" as orders stand at the moment, but if there is an influx of vaccines either through donations from the rich countries or if additional manufacturing capacity can be brought online, the timelines will move up.

I'll happily make a gentleman's bet for a round of beer if we ever have a meet-up that I'll be vaccinated before 31 October 2021, even though I am technically in the Phase 3 (November 2021+) group.

[assfly]

They've announced here that a lot of the counties are returning their unused vaccines back to Nairobi for redistribution before they reach their expiry date. Apparently on average they have only used 60% of vaccines given to them.

[OomStruisbaai]

Covid-19 in SA: 1 778 new cases, 11 deaths

[Blake]

They've announced here that a lot of the counties are returning their unused vaccines back to Nairobi for redistribution before they reach their expiry date. Apparently on average they have only used 60% of vaccines given to them.

I'm hoping we also get some of those rejected doses, rather than being the ones who reject the doses ourselves.

Make it optional and open it up to people who are willing to take them...especially Phase 3: 18-40 year olds who are at the back of the queue.
I'll be more than happy to sign up.

[Calculon]

Thanks for that, my gut feeling is that there is no way in hell that they are going to get 40.4 million people fully vaccinated by the end of January next year. Hopefully wouldn't matter if they manage to get 80+ % of older folks and those who are immunocompromised vaccinated

I think the plan is conservative, but rather have something than nothing.

I'm less concerned about the roll-out, than the procurement. In my experience, albeit in another sector, when you have a product that is in high demand, your ability to make sales is only stifled by the supply.
That timeline was built on "planned supply" as orders stand at the moment, but if there is an influx of vaccines either through donations from the rich countries or if additional manufacturing capacity can be brought online, the timelines will move up.

I'll happily make a gentleman's bet for a round of beer if we ever have a meet-up that I'll be vaccinated before 31 October 2021, even though I am technically in the Phase 3 (November 2021+) group.

I'm feeling a bit more optimistic and also think that if there are no delays with delivery, phase 3 might well be brought forward. Partly because many people simply won't bother to get vaccinated. With the US releasing 60 million AZ and the EU not planning to order any more AZ, there should be some extra AZ and spare AZ manufacturing capacity. Of course we won't be using any AZ but it might ease the demand on vaccines that we will, or might use.

[Calculon]

They've announced here that a lot of the counties are returning their unused vaccines back to Nairobi for redistribution before they reach their expiry date. Apparently on average they have only used 60% of vaccines given to them.

Congo is returning 1.3 million AZ out of 1.7 million received

[FalseBayFC]

After a bit of a delay my daughter finally received her J&J jab at Tygerberg hospital. She's part of the health faculty at Maties and all of the health sciences students fall under Phase 1. She was put onto a whatsapp group and given a date and time to appear. She appeared to take it in her stride with no side effects.

[Sandstorm]

After a bit of a delay my daughter finally received her J&J jab at Tygerberg hospital. She's part of the health faculty at Maties and all of the health sciences students fall under Phase 1. She was put onto a whatsapp group and given a date and time to appear. She appeared to take it in her stride with no side effects.

Probably only felt like one of this week’s hangovers.

[FalseBayFC]

After a bit of a delay my daughter finally received her J&J jab at Tygerberg hospital. She's part of the health faculty at Maties and all of the health sciences students fall under Phase 1. She was put onto a whatsapp group and given a date and time to appear. She appeared to take it in her stride with no side effects.

Probably only felt like one of this week’s hangovers.

I wish, she and her sister have both turned vegan and are now clean eaters. I get horribly judged. They look at me skeef if I go for a second beer from the fridge.

[sorCrer]

After a bit of a delay my daughter finally received her J&J jab at Tygerberg hospital. She's part of the health faculty at Maties and all of the health sciences students fall under Phase 1. She was put onto a whatsapp group and given a date and time to appear. She appeared to take it in her stride with no side effects.

Probably only felt like one of this week’s hangovers.

I wish, she and her sister have both turned vegan and are now clean eaters. I get horribly judged. They look at me skeef if I go for a second beer from the fridge.

The old double bluff.

[OomStruisbaai]

COVID-19 In SA: 1,129 new cases, 90 deaths


This takes the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country to 1,597,724
There are 25,549 active cases in South Africa.
KwaZulu-Natal remains the province with the highest number of active cases.
There's also been a surge in deaths with the country recording 90 new deaths, 33 of those from the North West.

[Blake]

Thanks for that, my gut feeling is that there is no way in hell that they are going to get 40.4 million people fully vaccinated by the end of January next year. Hopefully wouldn't matter if they manage to get 80+ % of older folks and those who are immunocompromised vaccinated

I think the plan is conservative, but rather have something than nothing.

I'm less concerned about the roll-out, than the procurement. In my experience, albeit in another sector, when you have a product that is in high demand, your ability to make sales is only stifled by the supply.
That timeline was built on "planned supply" as orders stand at the moment, but if there is an influx of vaccines either through donations from the rich countries or if additional manufacturing capacity can be brought online, the timelines will move up.

I'll happily make a gentleman's bet for a round of beer if we ever have a meet-up that I'll be vaccinated before 31 October 2021, even though I am technically in the Phase 3 (November 2021+) group.

I'm feeling a bit more optimistic and also think that if there are no delays with delivery, phase 3 might well be brought forward. Partly because many people simply won't bother to get vaccinated. With the US releasing 60 million AZ and the EU not planning to order any more AZ, there should be some extra AZ and spare AZ manufacturing capacity. Of course we won't be using any AZ but it might ease the demand on vaccines that we will, or might use.

Just checking; so you are not taking the bet then?

[Sards]

COVID-19 In SA: 1,129 new cases, 90 deaths


This takes the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country to 1,597,724

So by my calculations in 30 years we will have herd immunity unless there is a third wave in which case maybe sooner

[Calculon]

I think the plan is conservative, but rather have something than nothing.

I'm less concerned about the roll-out, than the procurement. In my experience, albeit in another sector, when you have a product that is in high demand, your ability to make sales is only stifled by the supply.
That timeline was built on "planned supply" as orders stand at the moment, but if there is an influx of vaccines either through donations from the rich countries or if additional manufacturing capacity can be brought online, the timelines will move up.

I'll happily make a gentleman's bet for a round of beer if we ever have a meet-up that I'll be vaccinated before 31 October 2021, even though I am technically in the Phase 3 (November 2021+) group.

I'm feeling a bit more optimistic and also think that if there are no delays with delivery, phase 3 might well be brought forward. Partly because many people simply won't bother to get vaccinated. With the US releasing 60 million AZ and the EU not planning to order any more AZ, there should be some extra AZ and spare AZ manufacturing capacity. Of course we won't be using any AZ but it might ease the demand on vaccines that we will, or might use.

Just checking; so you are not taking the bet then?

OK, I will take the bet

2,759 new cases and 72 new deaths in South Africa

start of a third wave?

[Blake]

OK, I will take the bet

Sweet. I still think I'll have a vaccination certificate before 31 October. Maybe not both doses if we get some 2-dose vaccines, but definitely my first.

2,759 new cases and 72 new deaths in South Africa

start of a third wave?

Probably. We know it's coming. Better they start making noise about it now, and people start modulating their behaviour early to mitigate its impact as much as possible.

People keep getting tripped up with this 10-14 day incubation time that Covid has. Any trend change is likely to persist for 2 weeks in either direction, so things are likely going to get worse and worse for the rest of May if everybody starts changing behaviour today we might swing the trend for June. If not, June is going to be a peak like we haven't seen before.

[Sards]

A third wave will have a devastating effect on the economy. In the hospitality industry they are already on their knees. This may be a bridge too far. Fortunately my wife won't be affected by a return to level 3. But sit down establishments will start bleeding even more

[handyman]

A third wave will have a devastating effect on the economy. In the hospitality industry they are already on their knees. This may be a bridge too far. Fortunately my wife won't be affected by a return to level 3. But sit down establishments will start bleeding even more

All of the best lad, from last year we try to support local and small business. Every little bit helps.

[Sards]

A third wave will have a devastating effect on the economy. In the hospitality industry they are already on their knees. This may be a bridge too far. Fortunately my wife won't be affected by a return to level 3. But sit down establishments will start bleeding even more

All of the best lad, from last year we try to support local and small business. Every little bit helps.

Well done lad . We need our quality posters to reinforce this sentiment leading by example

[Blake]

A third wave will have a devastating effect on the economy. In the hospitality industry they are already on their knees. This may be a bridge too far. Fortunately my wife won't be affected by a return to level 3. But sit down establishments will start bleeding even more

What a great hot take by Captain Obvious.

If only there was something we could all do, collectively, to prevent a third wave from happening and protect these small businesses from a lockdown...

[Big Nipper]

A third wave will have a devastating effect on the economy. In the hospitality industry they are already on their knees. This may be a bridge too far. Fortunately my wife won't be affected by a return to level 3. But sit down establishments will start bleeding even more

What a great hot take by Captain Obvious.

If only there was something we could all do, collectively, to prevent a third wave from happening and protect these small businesses from a lockdown...

I guess for some it is too much to not have 30 people over to your house to braai every weekend - how can we expect Sards to sacrifce this after all he sacrificed during the 1st 2 waves

[Sards]

Big difference between me and you two. And Sandy.
You are obsessed by stats and vaccines etc. I feel for the real people. You are privileged to not be impacted by Covid. Its your type that are the danger to society. You create panic and allow governments to destroy the foundation of society which is the small business. Regular oaks just trying to get by making a living and by association a living for the employees. You never discuss the actual impact of it other than to panic everyone because you know someone with Covid. Ffs. I know lots of sick people with a huge range of life threatening illness.