Latest News & Developments
delta variant
WHO monitors new sub-variant of Omicron BA. 2. 75 first detected in India
The sub-variant was first reported in India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) chief scientist, Soumya Swaminathan.
From skin lesions to hearing loss - 4 strange Covid-19 symptoms you might not have heard about
With the rise of new variants, the symptoms of Covid have also evolved.
Omicron sub-variants found in over a dozen countries, warns WHO
At least 16 countries have reported about 700 cases of BA. 4, while more than 300 cases of BA. 5 have been found across at least 17 countries.
Have we been underestimating Omicron variant? A new study points to that
Omicron was first detected by South African scientists in November last year.
Omicron XE spreading in the UK: a virologist explains what we know about the hybrid variant
While we don’t know a lot about it yet, what we do know doesn’t suggest there’s cause for serious concern.
No such thing as ‘Deltacron’ variant, just an unscientific name for a recombinant virus- Health Department
The recombinant virus, BA. 1 x AY. 4, unofficially and unscientifically referred to as ‘Deltacron’, has not been declared a variant of concern and has not been detected in South Africa.
Cape Town doctor wins big at the national Batho Pele Excellence Awards
The national Batho Pele Excellence Awards has awarded the Silver Award in the Best Doctor of the Year category to Dr Barry Smith.
New subvariant of Covid-19 known as Deltacron not deadly, say experts
While President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that some restrictions were being relaxed this week, South Africans are urged to observe the regulations that are in place.
These are the Deltacron symptoms to watch out for
This new variant known as Deltacron is a mixture of the Omicron and Delta variants and has appeared in South Africa.
Deltacron: What scientists know about the new hybrid coronavirus
It’s not unusual for viruses to mix and match parts of themselves if two viruses infect one cell, writes Luke O'Neill.
Deltacron: Here’s what we know about the hybrid variant
Scientific researchers have proved that ’Deltacron’, a hybrid form of the two variants, has emerged and that the global anti-pandemic efforts cannot be eased.
Australian researchers discover why some Covid-19 variants mutate faster than others
A study revealed that successive variants of concern such as Beta and Delta had mutated faster than earlier variants, noting differences of months to weeks.
Discovery to deliver robust interim results despite the R3. 4 billion payout for Covid-19 claims
Discovery delivered a robust performance in the six months to December 31, 2021 as it pursued a dual strategy of navigating the pandemic and working on growth, while paying out R3. 4 billion in Covid-19 claims.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis calls for Covid-19 capacity restrictions to be scrapped
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said he has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to scrap the Covid-19 capacity regulations to aid economic recovery
Here’s where (and how) you are most likely to catch Covid-19
The key to preventing transmission is to understand how airborne particles behave, say experts.
One can't be complacent as COVID-19 situation will worsen in next two weeks: Health expert
Dr Kataria warned that people need to be cautious.
France to ease Covid rules as England says curbs are 'last resort'
France announced an easing of Covid restrictions from Monday and Britain's health minister said curbs were an absolute last resort, as governments face tough choices between controlling the virus and keeping economies open.
Covid-19 cases up in the Western Cape but signs of a fourth wave plateau is anticipated
There is a mixed bag of news for the Western Cape on the Covid-19 front as the province continues to witness high case numbers, driven by the Omicron variant, but is also anticipating a plateauing of cases in the fourth wave.
NICD says 70% of South Africans estimated to have been exposed to Covid-19
Studies how that around 70% of South Africans are estimated to have been exposed to the virus, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases said, noting an under-reporting of antigen tests.
Humanity could be entering worst part of the pandemic, warns Bill Gates
In a series of tweets, Gates said that he has cancelled most of his holiday plans as his close friends are increasingly being infected with the Covid-19 virus.
What 6 health experts advise for holiday travel amid Omicron
The new variant may be on the rise, but Delta remains a risk for travellers.
WHO sounds the alarm over fast-spreading Omicron, says spreading faster than Delta variant
WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan added it would be ’unwise’ to conclude from early evidence that Omicron was a milder variant that previous ones.
Omicron should not be dismissed as mild, warns WHO
The World Health Organization has emphasized an urgent scale-up of public health and social measures to curtail the further spread of the Omicron variant.
Covid-19 in SA: How cases increased and decreased during two years of Covid-19
It has been almost two years of Covid-19 and lockdowns. South Africans have experienced three waves so far and is currently in the throes of a fourth wave of infections.
Covid-19: Omicron storm is here, with increase of 400% of cases in Gauteng
The health minister said scientists were conducting more studies on the variant after it emerged that the majority of those who were admitted to hospital had not been vaccinated.