South Africa has breached the 90 000 mark in Covid-19 related deaths after a further 27 fatalities were recorded in the latest reporting period.
The country’s coronavirus death toll now stands at 90 002.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), further reported 13 147 new Covid-19 cases.
The institute says the latest increase represents a 24.9% positivity rate.
On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) will convene a meeting soon to take stock of the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
This, as new COVID-19 cases, mostly driven by the Omicron variant has surged.
The President said in his weekly newsletter that the cancellation of big events during the festive season remains by far the safest and most responsible thing to do.
Ramaphosa reiterated the call for all those living in South Africa to get vaccinated.
The President who addressed the nation on 28 November, promised to give the country an update in a week's time, however, he embarked on a Working Visit to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.
The President is expected back in the country on Wednesday and it is highly anticipated that a meeting with the NCCC will be on the top of his agenda.
On Tuesday, The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) threw its weight behind compulsory vaccination and affirmed its support for a constitutional declaration on the matter.
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) wants the constitutional declaration by next year in a bid to limit the impact of covid-19 in business operations.
Labour and Employment Minister, Thulas Nxesi confirmed NEDLAC's stance during the council's 26th annual national summit on Tuesday.
He said the council made the recommendation to the National Command Council on Covid-19.
Reading a statement from the NEDLAC, Nxesi said "The health and safety director of the Department of Employment and Labour should be strengthened so that vaccination can become mandatory where a risk assessment at the workplace requires this."
Meanwhile, some businesses and institutions of higher education learning already require their staff to get the jab.
"We have to act decisively by up-ing our preventative measures and vaccination lest we face lockdowns and further economic depression," said Nxesi.
On Monday, Africa’s largest cellphone network operator MTN joined Discovery in announcing a vaccine mandate for all staff.
On Tuesday, The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) came out in support of mandatory vaccination and businesses only allowing vaccinated employees into work premises.
