The Western Cape has successfully exited the fourth wave of COVID-19 dominated by the Omicron variant, according to Premiere Alan Winde.
How do we know that we’re ‘in the clear?’ Well, according to the technical definition, the mark of the exit pertains to when ‘new infections are 15% of the peak or 600 cases’ says Winde.
According to data, the Western Cape’s new case numbers have successfully dipped below 600 new cases, based on a 7-day moving average.
“The number of new cases per day based on this average is now 588” Winde expressed, and further indicated that this means the virus is reaching an endemic stage.
According to the South African COVID-19 Modelling Consortium (SACMC), it’s predicted that we will see even fewer cases next week as the wave dwindles.
Reproduction rates of the virus appear to be lower and the proportion of positive COVID-19 tests have also decreased according to the Premiere.
According to the South African Medical Research Council, excess deaths from natural causes for the country have exceeded the predictions but are showing early signs of a decline. However, in terms of excess deaths in the Western Cape, these are increasing in line with predictions, but are still “much lower than previous waves.”
Additionally, Winde announced that the Mitchells Plain Hospital of Hope is being decommissioned as ‘our hospitals have sufficient capacity. He further indicated that if necessary, the province will be able to bring additional infrastructure online.
Of vaccine rates
By 27 January 2022, a total of 2 402 064or 48.26% of the adult population in the province had been fully vaccinated against a total of 41.22% of the adult population nationally.
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