蜜芽传媒

South African scientists are closely monitoring a rapid rise in new coronavirus cases. New data from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases shows the positivity rate has reached 20% for the first time in months, and that is raising fears of a fifth Covid wave.聽

Dr Angelique Coetzee, from the Advisory Panel of Solidarity Doctors Network in South Africa, says it seems the rise in cases is being driven by a new sub-variant of Omicron - BA.4, and there are concerns that this could drive a fifth wave in the country. If this is the case, she believes this is the first time a sub-variant, rather than a new variant such as Omicron, has driven a new wave.

The country is expecting more cases to emerge, given the Ramadan, Passover and Easter celebrations, and the congregations of people following the flood rescues there. She notes that currently, symptoms of the BA.4 are similar to previous cases, and they are not seeing an increase in admissions to intensive care or deaths.

"We are really worrying and watching this space. We are expecting a fifth wave in the middle of next month but anything is possible."

Photo: A worker sanitises a commuter taxi in Pretoria, South Africa Credit: Getty Images

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