Omicron: World’s reaction not science based
Within the next two weeks, we will know more about Omicron, but for now, people must practice non-pharmaceutical interventions – such as mask wearing, hand washing, and avoiding crowded spaces, says SAMA chairperson.
The world’s reaction to the discovery of the new coronavirus variant Omicron is based on politics and not science. This is the opinion of Dr Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of the board of the South African Medical Association.
South Africa is seeing a rise in Covid-19 infections, particularly in Gauteng, with the new B.1.1.529 variant behind many of the new cases.
In reaction, several countries have restricted travel to and from Southern Africa, despite epidemiologists saying travel curbs may be too late to stop the Omicron variant from spreading globally.
Coetzee says countries are trying to protect their citizens because ‘in the past they made so many mistakes’.
In the process, they are making South Africa and Africa the scapegoat for the latest outbreak, she says.
Coetzee says the country should be applauded for identifying the new variant, instead of being punished by the world. “Our scientist only did their job, which is to inform the world whenever they make new findings about the virus.”
Symptoms
According to Coetzee, the symptoms of the Omicron variant appear to be mild, but she says it is early days yet, and too soon to say if the variant will result in severe illness or increased hospitalisation.
Coetzee says that children who have been infected with the Omicron variant present with red, sore throats and, in some cases, they are lethargic, while adults also experience fatigue. She says people who think they may be Covid-positive, must get themselves tested and, if infected, must self-isolate.
She reiterated that vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions are the best prevention measures people can take. Wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay away from mass gatherings, warns Coetzee.
In a virtual briefing convened by Health Minister Joe Phaahla today (November 29), Dr Salim Abdool-Karim said that while the rate of new infections was rising rapidly, the country had ‘expected and prepared for a new variant as far back as in September’.
At this morning’s media briefing, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) scientists reported that the average number of daily hospital admissions had increased in Gauteng in the past two weeks. The NICD’s Dr Waasila Jassat said that the vast majority of people hospitalised were unvaccinated.
WATCH: The head of the South African Medical Association chats to journalist Izak du Plessis about the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.
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