'No need to panic': health minister on Omicron variant in SA

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South Africa Headlines News

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.

 

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