Fourth wave: Limpopo’s Covid-19 cases continue to climb
As Gauteng is officially experiencing the fourth wave of Covid-19, Limpopo is holding its breath as private and public health facilities have all experienced an upward trend in positive infections over the last seven days.
POLOKWANE – The latest variant of the virus, Omicron, was recently identified by South African researchers in the field.
According to roleplayers in the local health sector, the variant is highly contagious.
Private hospitals in the city have seen an increase in infections, however, it remains to be seen how many patients need hospitalisation as only time will tell.
Health practitioners are of the opinion that while the disease is more easily transmitted, symptoms may not be as severe.
A local doctor, Mabowa Makhumisane says he too noted an increase in Covid-19 patients since last week.
“At this point the department needs to determine the severity of the wave but I have only picked up mild to moderate symptoms from my patients. These symptoms have changed compared to that of the Delta variant with patients showing more overall weakness, chest and abdominal pains, heartburn and less of the loss of taste and smell. Coughing is less of a symptom as in earlier variants.”
Thilivhali Muavha, who is the spokesperson for the health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, says even though there is an increase in infections, it is yet to be confirmed whether the trend is fueled by the Omicron variant.
“Over the past weeks, the province recorded on average 30 new cases daily. We recently saw an outbreak at a mine in Lephalale which contributed to the increase in numbers. This outbreak, however, did not warrant hospital admissions and the mine was able to offer isolation services to workers who tested positive. We have not seen other outbreaks in any other part of the province.”
He said they firmly believe that positive Covid-19 infections will increase over the festive season.
“This is when people visit family and friends and then return to Limpopo. The MEC is calling on citizens to get vaccinated. During the first two waves, we had no vaccines and we believe that is why the effects were so detrimental. During the third wave vaccine availability was limited but the wave did not hit as hard as some people were already vaccinated. If more people vaccinate we will be able to withstand a fourth wave.”
Muavha says the MEC is encouraging all those who are eligible to vaccinate to visit their nearest vaccination site, including children between 12 and 18 who need a parent or guardian present.
The President, Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his state address on Sunday evening that government would be looking at mandating vaccinations.
He is expected to address the nation in the next two weeks after closely monitoring infection and hospitalisation rates.
Ramaphosa will then need to determine whether the existing measures are adequate or whether changes need to be made to the current lockdown regulations.
