Due to new covid variants BA.4 and BA.5, South Africa is experiencing a recent surge in cases, in a situation that is expected to be the 5th wave of the ongoing pandemic. The acknowledgment comes after health officials highlighted the increase in cases in the past 14 days.
Lack of Vaccinations
The African nation has recorded the highest number of cases and deaths in the continent. After experiencing the fourth wave at the beginning of the year, the next wave was predicted to start in May or June. However, the fears of a deadly wave are less this time as health experts ensure their citizens that the variants are not so deadly as the ones that preceded them. Health Minister Joe Phaala had also mentioned in a press briefing that there was no dramatic increase in patients requiring intensive care units, despite the hospitalization rate going up at an alarming rate.
The Health Ministry of the nation is still observing the new wave of infections. Even as it tells its citizens that the pandemic is not over, the rise is worrisome as people have stopped caring about covid. There seems to be fewer media engagement on social sites about the coronavirus. The most alarming part is that the vaccination rates are very low and only reducing with time.
Global Wave
In many other parts of the world, countries are facing a similar wave of infections. China had faced a major outbreak in Shanghai that had led to one of the most-strictest lockdowns the country had ever seen. In Europe, Germany is also recording a massive surge in cases, with infections touching 100,000 cases recently. India is also experiencing a rise in cases, however, the wave is expected to be less severe, if at all. While the recent variants, such as the Omicron, have not caused too much trouble, the threat of more infectious and deadly strains continues to worry governments and health departments all over the world.
Edited By: Vanshika Sahu
Published By: Raj Kishor
