Covid-units at hospitals began rapidly filling up from 1 May as the the third wave of Covid-19 hit the Msukaligwa area.

Dr Natalie Collis, a local doctor, said the increase was seen in patients about three weeks to a month ago.

“It has not been a sudden spike, instead we saw cases gradually increasing,” she said.

She added that it is currently a struggle to get open beds to transfer patients as the Covid-ward at Ermelo Mediclinic is full.

“If a patient gets discharged, another gets admitted,” she stated.

According to her, the same Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing system – that was used during the first wave, is being used now.

Dr Collis said all the symptoms are the same, however, some have become more defined.

“New symptoms are being confirmed, but this does not mean they are new variant symptoms.”

When asked about the Ermelo Covid Clinic, she said it is closed, because there are not enough patients.

She is however, still seeing patients at her consulting rooms at Dr Swart and Partners.

She wishes to inform people that everyone above the age of 60-years-old now qualifies for the vaccine.

Residents can register for the vaccine at https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/.

According to her, those who have registered, will receive an e-mail or SMS when the vaccine becomes available to them.

“I have not had any deaths since this new wave began, however, I am not certain which segment of the third wave we’re currently in,” she concluded.

Read the complete article in the Highvelder newspaper.