Health minister Joe Phaahla says there is 'absolutely no need to panic' about the emergence of the Omicron variant and fears of a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections because the country is prepared.
SA has come under fire after disclosing the emergence of the variant. Phaahla, however, defended the decision as he thanked scientists for their diligent work.Gauteng health DDG Dr Freddy Kgongwana echoed similar sentiments, saying the province was prepared and had sufficient capacity to deal with a fourth wave, despite a lack of trust shown by some communities.
“We cannot deny there are challenges. The issue we have is that we need to assure communities that we are ready for the fourth wave. “We are aware of the level of mistrust that exists in our communities but we have gone through three waves and we are confident we are going through the fourth wave and we will make appropriate decisions in time for whatever curveballs or decisions that fourth wave will present,” said Kgongwana.
The department of international relations and co-operation lamented the decision by countries including the UK, US, Sri Lanka, Oman, Japan, Thailand andThe department’s Clayson Monyela said: “It’s quite regrettable, very unfortunate to be talking about travel restrictions ... This decision is unwarranted and unjustified because it’s not based on science. We as Dirco are engaging all the countries that have taken this decision, with a view to persuade them to reverse this decision.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Young people bearing brunt of Covid-19 resurgence, ICU doctor warnsThe speed at which the new Covid-19 variant Omicron is infecting young people has alarmed SA health professionals.
Read more »
‘Panic-driven decisions must end’: Madonsela slams reports calling Omicron ‘SA variant’With growing concerns over the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, former public protector Thuli Madonsela says leaders need to take ethical and purpose-driven decisions.
Read more »
Looming fourth wave no surprise but SA has all the tools to beat it, says RamaphosaPresident Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday suggested that SA was equipped to deal with the Omicron Covid-19 variant which was first detected in Botswana and subsequently in SA.
Read more »
Travel operators lose nearly R1bn as world bans SA over Omicron variantThe variant has been identified in Botswana, Hong Kong, the UK and Belgium
Read more »
Ramaphosa calls on countries to urgently reverse travel bans imposed over Covid-19 variantRestrictions imposed in response to Omicron variant unscientific and ‘completely unjustified’
Read more »
Government slams Omicron hysteria | CitypressExperts warn against unwarranted panic that punishes SA citizens for leading variant detection.
Read more »