Omicron: More transmissible, death rate drops
Covid-19 patients admitted since November 15 are on average younger than those seen during the first three waves.
POLOKWANE – As Covid-19 infections are increasing by the day, early indications are that most patients who need to be hospitalised for the illness are unvaccinated persons.
The country is currently seeing a rise in infections driven by the latest variant, Omicron, which is widely regarded to be more transmissible than earlier strains but less severe.
In a press statement issued by Netcare last week, Dr Richard Friedland remarked that in the hospital group, a total of 800 Covid-19 patients had been admitted thus far, of which 75% were not vaccinated.
In terms of age distribution, Covid-19 patients admitted since November 15 are on average younger than those seen during the first three waves with over 71% being below 50 years of age, with an average age of 38.5 years, Friedman states. This compares to only 40% below 50 years of age in the first three waves, with an average age of 54 years. Doctors Polokwane Observer spoke to agree that the majority of patients show with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, including a blocked or runny nose, headache and a scratchy or sore throat.
The provincial Health Department has continued vigilantly with its vaccination drive, as has private institutions, reiterating the need for citizens to be vaccinated.
Vaccination remains the only effective way to curb the rise in Covid-19 infections, Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba recent advised citizens on social media to remain vigilant.
“Even if you have been vaccinated, always wear your mask and wear it correctly to cover your mouth and nose when in public places.”
She also encouraged citizens to keep to Covid-19 safety regulations by wearing masks, sanitising regularly and keeping their social distance.
In Limpopo, infection numbers have risen sharply. By December 13, an average of 787 new cases were recorded per day for the week. By Monday, the province had an estimated 6 480 estimated active Covid-19 cases, with 179 people having been admitted to 48 hospitals in the province for the week.
Of these two patients were admitted to intensive care units and only one had to be placed on a ventilator. No deaths were recorded in this period. Since the start of the pandemic, the province has admitted 17 841 people to hospitals in the province as a result of Covid-19. Of these, 4 887 have died, with 12 203 having been discharged. A total of 121 007 patients have recovered from the virus. All indications are that the National Coronavirus Command Council will meet this week to discuss possible adjustments to the lockdown regulations in an effort to curb especially large gatherings.
Under current regulations in level one, the number of people permitted to attend indoor gatherings is 750, while outdoor gatherings may be attended by 2 000 people.
Meanwhile, the South African Competition Commission last week reached an agreement with the country’s two major laboratories, namely Ampath and Lancet, to substantially reduce the cost of Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which are used to detect Covid-19.
Between September and October 2021, the commission was alerted through a number of meetings and telephonic discussions (including discussions with the Department of Health and healthcare funders) of a possible pricing abuse for Covid-19 PCR tests, to the detriment of vulnerable consumers and customers, the commission said in a statement.
The cost of these tests has been reduced from R850 to R500 with immediate effect.
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