The data for 16/05/2022 is favourable for Mzansi – Image via Unsplash
The data for 16/05/2022 is favourable for Mzansi – Image via Unsplash
The Cabinet has issued a warning to the rest of South Africa on Friday, claiming that a fifth wave of COVID is almost upon us. The ANC government is preparing for a resurgence of the virus ‘within the next few weeks’.
When will the next COVID-19 wave hit South Africa? ‘Late April, early May’ predicted
Our previous dance with soaring case numbers came at the end of 2021. The Omicron variant was discovered in Southern Africa, and it rapidly ripped through the country before it was formally identified.
However, that surge in infections was not reflected by a similar rise in hospitalisations or deaths. Some experts believe that South Africans already had high levels of mixed vaccine and natural immunity before this variant struck, blunting the impact of what was feared to be a deadly mutation.
No further restrictions returned, and SA was praised for keeping a cool head during the crisis. However, the government is still renewing our State of Disaster laws, keeping the country in a perpetual emergency. The legislation will eventually be adopted into the National Health Act – after public comments have been considered.
What is likely to cause a fifth wave?
Nonetheless, the statement issued by the Cabinet today was a cautious one. Although government officials acknowledge that case rates are low, the advent of a fifth wave – just as Mzansi heads into winter and the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron rips through Europe – could dramatically change the picture.
“Although infections and deaths currently remain low, we face a possible fifth wave in the coming weeks. Cabinet has called for the consideration of non-pharmaceutical measures, like masks, gathering limits, and social distancing to stay.”
Cabinet statement
“More people need to get vaccinated’ – Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa made it clear on Tuesday that only an increased vaccination rate would see some long-term measures come to an end. Only 48% of South Africans have been jabbed against COVID, which is way short of the 70% target Cyril set in 2021. According to Cabinet, the vaccines are our ‘only defence’ to tackle a fifth wave.
“The only defence we have is the scientific evidence showing the power of vaccines to save lives. Our country has already administered over 33 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.”
Cabinet statement
