JOHANNESBURG -- Worried scientists in South Africa are scrambling to combat the lightning spread across the country of the new and highly transmissible omicron COVID-19 variant as the world grapples with its emergence.
In the space of two weeks, the omicron variant has sent South Africa from a period of low transmission to rapid growth of new confirmed cases.
The country’s numbers are still relatively low, with 2,828 new confirmed cases recorded Friday, but omicron’s speed in infecting young South Africans has alarmed health professionals.
“Young people, in their 20s to just over their late 30s, are coming in with moderate to severe disease, some needing intensive care.
About 65% are not vaccinated and most of the rest are only half-vaccinated,” said Mathivha.
“The scientific reaction from within South Africa is that we need to learn as much as soon as possible.
As scientists try to learn more about omicron, the people of South Africa can take measures to protect themselves against it, said Hanekom. »