The number of people who have needed oxygen is “lower than any previous wave” of covid-19.
The omicron variant has caused an explosion in covid-19 cases in South Africa, but at the moment there are fewer hospitalizations and deaths than in previous waves of the pandemic, health officials said this Friday.
South Africa on Wednesday recorded a record number of infections since the beginning of the pandemic, as a result of the extremely rapid spread of omicron, said Michelle Groome of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).
“Hospitalizations are not increasing at such a spectacular rate,” he declared during a press conference. “We started to see some increases, but relatively weak increases in deaths,” he added.
Wassila Jassat, also from the NICD, stated that the number of people who have needed oxygen is “lower than any preceding wave” of covid-19.
“Patients do seem to stay shorter,” he said.
According to South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla, these data do not mean that omicron is less virulent, but rather that vaccines prevent severe cases.
About a third of the population is fully vaccinated in this African country. The percentage rises to 66% for people over 60 years of age.
The omicron variant, which has multiple mutations, was first detected in South Africa and Botswana in November, sparking global panic as it appears more contagious than other variants. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
