Faizel Patel – 27/01/2021
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has announced that the flight carrying the first one million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is expected to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, 1 February.
The Health Department was hosting a public webinar on Wednesday with leading experts addressing prominent questions around the coronavirus vaccines.
Mkhize delivered the opening remarks, while the panel included his deputy Joe Phaahla and Professor Kolela lisana among others.
The Health Minister says South Africans have been keenly anticipating the arrival of the first batch of vaccines from the Serum Institute of India.
“I am therefore pleased to announce that the flight carrying the first one million doses will leave India on Sunday, 31 January 2021, fly via Dubai and land at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday, 1 February 2021 at a time to be confirmed closer to the day.”
Mkhize says the vaccines will be checked before being distributed.
“After the arrival of the vaccines they will undergo some technical processes of quarantine, quality assurance and reconciliation that are necessary for the safe distribution of the vaccine. These processes will take a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 14 days to complete, upon which we will be ready to distribute the vaccines to all provinces.”
Mkhize says Treasury has put its full weight and support behind the COVID-19 vaccine programme.
“I must take this opportunity to thank the Minister of Finance and Treasury officials, in particular the Chief Procurement Officer, for the close working relationship that has defined the processes of procuring vaccines. They have ensured that there are no undue delays, have granted us the deviations we have requested and committed to financing additional orders.”
Mkhize says doses for Phase One of the vaccine strategy will be delivered using three platforms, including work-based programmes, mobile teams and vaccination centres.
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