Latest News & Developments
omicron variant
WHO urges nations to continue with ‘strong surveillance’ as new JN. 1 Covid sub-variant continues to evolve
WHO expert urges member states to continue with strong surveillance and sequence sharing so that proper steps can be taken to ‘potentially modify’ the advice for the world.
Green tea has a surprise up its sleeve
Chemicals in green tea, black tea, and matcha (powdered green tea) are effective in inactivating the Omicron subvariant of Covid-19.
No specific Covid-19 variant dominating worldwide, says WHO
WHO was seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases worldwide, as well as an increase in the number of hospitalisations and patients in intensive care units, which is ‘more worrying. ’
KZN records the lowest number of fully vaccinated people against Covid-19
Eris was a sub-variant of Omicron, which caused the fourth wave in SA.
WHO designates new Covid-19 ‘variant under monitoring’
Recently, the latest variant, EG. 5 (also known as Eris), had grabbed the attention of public health experts around the world
Eris the latest Covid-19 variant of interest, say experts
South Africa’s Department of Health is urging people to get vaccinated.
What to know about Arcturus, a new Covid-19 subvariant the WHO is tracking
The latest omicron offshoot is particularly prevalent in India, where it has sparked a rise in infections, and a return to mask mandates in parts of the country.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health says consent is signed for children to be vaccinated
Dr Velile Ngidi a public health medicine specialist said as health professionals it is illegal for them to give a patient medication without explaining to them what it was.
South Africa’s weapon for the early detection of Covid-19
Surveillance and early detection of new pathogens and variants is the weapon our scientists are using to keep their finger on the pulse.
‘Kraken’ Covid-19 variant: SA’s health experts call for calm and urge against social media panic
South Africa has been urged to increase the rate of Covid-19 testing.
NICD says introduction of XBB. 1. 5 locally may not necessarily result in a large wave of infections
As of 9 January 2023, more than 650 sublineages of Omicron have been identified, of which more than 200 have been detected in South Africa.
Health Department to offer additional vaccine dose, as new Covid-19 subvariant detected
The National Health Department said it would not be imposing any travel restrictions or internal measures after the detection of a new Omicron subvariant, XBB. 1. 5, but the country will soon update its vaccination programme.
Identity of patient infected with the new Covid-19 variant is unknown
The new variant, XBB. 1. 5 or “Kraken variant”, is one of the 100 sub-variants of the Omicron strain.
South Africa will not impose travel restrictions, says Health Minister Joe Phaahla
The minister said they have engaged scientists, the World Health Organization and the ministerial advisory committee, who suggested that there is no need to impose travel restrictions internally or for any country.
Testing of wastewater to detect Covid subvariant but no further restrictions planned for country
Precautionary measures that will however be taken include the rollout of vaccine booster shots, not only to people over 50 years, but also all adults over 18 years of age.
No cause for alarm over new Covid subvariant, says WC Health MEC
Health and Wellness MEC Dr Nomafrench Mbombo has called for the public to remain calm and careful in light of the Covid-19 XBB. 1. 5 subvariant.
WHO backs mask-wearing on long flights, given rapid spread of Omicron variant
Passengers should be recommended to wear masks in high-risk settings such as long-haul flights.
South Africans urged to vaccinate against newly discovered Covid mutation
The mutation was first detected by scientists at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town over the weekend.
Detection of new XBB variant in the Cape ‘not surprising due to the number of tourists’
The Health Department has confirmed the highly transmissible sub-variant of Omicron XBB. 1. 5, also referred to as the “Kraken” variant, has been detected in the country.
New variant XBB. 1. 5 is ‘most transmissible’ yet and could fuel Covid-19 wave, warn experts
The World Health Organization is monitoring XBB. 1. 5 because of how quickly it has supplanted other sub-variants.
Experts say there is no need to panic over ‘Kraken’ Covid-19 variant
Professor Tulio de Oliveira, the director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University, said the XBB. 1. 5 variants is responsible for causing a surge in Covid-19 infections on the east coast of America.
Department of Health in discussions with scientists on the Covid-19 highly transmissible variant
The variant which is nicknamed “kraken” by scientists is spreading quickly in the US. The Department of Health released a statement on its social media platforms on Saturday.
New cruise line enters South African waters
Norwegian Cruise Line provides new holiday options for South Africans and brings more inbound tourism to our shores.
Not true: Authorities unmask fake Covid news
Calls for mask wearing amid a new Covid-19 variant has been dismissed as fake news by the health department.
Canada to end Covid-19 border and quarantine restrictions
The Canadian federal government has announced the removal of all Covid-19 entry restrictions, effective from October 1.