With the emergence of a new Covid-19 mutation, South Africans — especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions — are being urged to vaccinate and get their booster shots. Stock photo.South Africa’s high population immunity against Covid-19 is likely to see the country through the wave of the new Omicron sub-variant, according to health minister Joe Phaahla.
The minister said: “We believe the fact that the dominant variant of concern in China and in the world remains Omicron, and that the immunity of South Africans from vaccination and natural immunity is still very strong, puts us in a better position and at less risk. That is why we have so far not seen major changes in our epidemiology in terms of the rates of infection, admissions to hospital and rates of fatality from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the discovery of the new sub-variant XBB.1.5 through genome sequencing on January 7, Phaahla said government has advised health practitioners, including in the private sector, to test for Covid-19 through an antigen test or PCR test. As a result of increasing cases there, a number of countries imposed special requirements for travellers coming from China while some countries such as Canada, UK, Spain, Italy and India require a negative PCR test of less than 48 hours from those travelling from China. Morocco remains the only country that has imposed an outright travel ban on travellers coming from China.
Dr Michelle Groome, who head the division of public health surveillance and response at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases), said there is no need to panic, and the new variant was not unexpected.
Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Strong natural immunity will likely see SA through new ‘most transmissible’ Covid sub-variant —PhaahlaNatural immunity will likely see SA through new ‘most transmissible’ Covid sub-variant: South Africa’s high population immunity against Covid-19 is likely to see the country through the wave of the new Omicron sub-variant, according to health mininster… SAns better not fall for this. Well played by the Mr big 👃 and his fellow clowns The new variant bypasses immunity and vaccine immunity...I'm in Sweden and have just had it. Prepare yourselves people it's really bad! 3 vaccines and 2 bouts of the virus offered me zero immunity
Source: SABreakingNews - 🏆 41. / 51 Read more »
Strong natural immunity will likely see SA through new ‘most transmissible’ Covid sub-variant —PhaahlaSouth Africa’s high population immunity against Covid-19 is likely to see the country through the wave of the new Omicron sub-variant, according to health mininster Joe Phaahla. With very low levels of vaccinations💉💊. RIP those who took the jab 😔
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »
WATCH | Health minister provides an update on Covid-19 in South AfricaHealth minister Joe Phaahla and his deputy Sibongiseni Dhlomo are expected to provide an update on Covid-19 in the country. Without doubt and invested amount increase i earn R27k weekly from an investment of R8k Minimum R6k earn you R22k weekly CohenMathilda she's so good at the trading skills, check her reviews and ask her how to get started so guaranteed 💯 Time for CyrilRamaphosa and his fellow criminals to start killing off more people again Update us first on Omicron and measles 🤣🤣🤣 Tsek zinja
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »
WATCH | Health minister provides an update on Covid-19 in South AfricaHealth minister Joe Phaahla and his deputy Sibongiseni Dhlomo are expected to provide an update on Covid-19 in the country. Humpty dumpty sat on a wall.
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »