Due to the large number of mutations affecting the spike protein, the omicron variant was discovered late last month and has caused great concern among both health professionals and economic policy makers. Several countries have chosen to restrict travel from the South African region.
Another worrying news is that 16,000 new cases were already recorded in South Africa on Friday, with only 2,300 new cases on Monday. South African authorities said the vast majority of the new cases are omicron.
Ramaphosa urged the public to take a coronavirus vaccine because there are already enough vaccines available in the country. Vaccination rates in the country are about 25%.
The government will soon assess the epidemiological situation and, if necessary, decide on further measures. The omicron variant is still being studied for how much and how severe vaccinations should be avoided.
According to the first reports, the omicron variant causes mild diseases, but these medical data cannot be relied upon, careful studies are needed to determine how dangerous omicron is compared to delta.
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