According to some definitions, but not all, SA is officially entering the fifth wave of Covid-19 infections. Either way, two things have caught scientists by surprise: the timing of the wave and what’s driving it.
Over the past two weeks, the increase in new cases has been 137%, said the minister, but hospitalisations remain low and deaths have not increased.
“We were expecting this resurgence in mid-May or early June but it has come sooner,” said Phaahla, adding one possible factor is that Easter, Ramadan and Passover coincided. “There are changes, but they are not enough to be defined as a new variant of concern. However, it is important to note we are at great risk as we enter winter.” said SA is in a fifth wave according to the definition of more than five cases per 100,000 people.