Covid-19: What’s Next for South Africa – And When Will It Be Over?
Since the last wave of Covid-19, Omicron, hit South Africa at the end of last year, it seems that things have been looking decidedly up. Schools have done away with rotational attendance, and workplaces are even opening back up, which means regular commutes are back. Masks seem to be worn less and less, and Coachella just announced zero Covid-19 regulations at this year’s festival.
However, some places uphold Covid-19 restrictions, while others are lax. The uncertainty is confusing, perhaps summed up best by that *highly* relatable moment Chrissy Teigan had on Insta.
So… is covid over?
The short answer? No. Professor Salim Abdul Karim, an epidemiologist who spoke about the latest on the virus on JacarandaFM, noted that while there’s been a decrease in virus rates, we’re not out of the woods yet. However, the noted dearth in infections raises economic opportunities that we can capitalise on while it lasts, he said. “It’s not that we’re only acting on the science, we’re having to balance it with the needs of the economy,” says Karim.
READ MORE: How Can I Tell If My Symptoms Are Allergies, Or A Possible COVID-19 Infection?
Expect a new wave
According to the pattern of the virus, Karim reckons that we’re looking at another wave of infection in the next few months, likely around April. Whether or not this will prove devastating is a different question considering South Africa has only reached a vaccination rate of 30%. Karim and many other health professionals advise that it’s important that the population gets vaccinated, since this is the fastest way to lessen restrictions and lessen the burden of disease.
Furthermore, experts have warned that the disease is likely to not go away at all. Instead, we’re likely going to face more waves, each with different intesities. Plus, having the virus once doesn’t mean you won’t be infected again.
READ MORE: Nearly Half Of COVID-19 Infections Could Be Asymptomatic, New Study Suggests
What you can do
If you haven’t yet, you can go get vaccinated. If you’ve had your shot, you can schedule a booster dose when you’re due.
The reality is that covid is far from over, but we’re a lot closer than we were before.
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