Tshwane urges residents to take precautions against new COVID-19 Strain

The City of Tshwane Health Department is monitoring developments related to the new COVID-19 strain that was confirmed in Gauteng this week.

The new variant is known as the Eris variant, this strain is a sub-variant of the Omicron COVID-19 virus.

What we know thus far about the new strain:
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Eris a variant of concern.

• Eris is highly transmissible but is not considered to be more severe than other Omicron variants.

• Symptoms are the same as other variants, including a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose and changes in taste and smell.

Since the beginning of August 2023, the new strain has been detected in more than 50 countries, according to the WHO.

The MMC of Health in Tshwane Rina Marx urges residents to take the necessary precautions given the new strain’s transmissibility.

“COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available at all 24 of our primary healthcare clinics,” she said.

She added that vaccinations remain important, especially for people with underlying health conditions, the elderly and those who are immune-compromised.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions also remain equally important.

Marx highlighted that residents need to be very watchful.

She said the precautions include regular hand-washing, sanitising, and wearing a face mask if you have flu-like symptoms.

The City of Tshwane Health Department has aligned itself with the National Department of Health in stating that there is no need for panic at this stage.

“Taking the necessary precautions can greatly mitigate the rapid spread of the new strain,” Marx concluded.

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