THE Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) says a renewed call by President Ramaphosa to accelerate the administration of Coronavirus vaccines and the establishment of a task team to look at mandatory vaccinations is to be welcomed and should be supported by all South Africans.
“The laudable discovery by South African scientists of a new variant coupled with the impending arrival of a fourth COVID-19 wave in December has heightened South Africa’s risk climate considerably,” said IRMSA CEO Pat Semenya. “To save lives and to respond to the impact of further strict lockdown on the economy we must pick up the pace of vaccine dispensing.
“While IRMSA acknowledges that mandatory vaccinations can be a controversial and even divisive issue, any recommendations made by the task team need to be studied and carefully considered. It is vital that it’s work is done unhampered and speedily.”
Semenya said the prospect of a fourth wave of the pandemic was of equal concern and companies needed once again to re-evaluate their risk planning. This meant reinforcing internal health protocols at the workplace and checking for weak points in supply chains.
He urged responsible distribution of information regarding the new variant, saying media reports from abroad, suggesting South Africa was the source of the new strain were irresponsible and unhelpful.
“IRMSA is also concerned about the potential negative impact on the business and leisure and tourism and hospitality sector, during our traditional high season. It’s only by observing current Lockdown Level 1 regulations will the country be able to manage the risk.”
