After a crescendo of calls to end the national catastrophe, health experts disagree on whether or not it’s too early or if it’s time to finally scrap masks outdoors as studies show high levels of of protection against the virus. According to Wits University vaccinology professor Shabir Madhi, it is unclear what measure the national health ministry used to determine when it would be more comfortable to lift restrictions, most of which were not fit for purpose. “Over 75% of the population is now protected from severe Covid…
After a crescendo of calls to end the national State of disasterhealth experts have differing views on whether it’s too soon, or if it’s time to finally ditch outdoor masks, as studies show there has been a high level of protection against the virus.
According to professor of vaccinology at Wits University Shabir Madhi, it is unclear what the national department of Health used to determine when it would be more comfortable with lifting restrictions, most of which were not fit for purpose.
“More than 75% of the population is now protected from severe Covid through a combination of past infection and vaccine-induced immunity,” Madhi said.
“Efforts to prevent infections have so far been unsuccessful in South Africa and will not change as we move forward.”
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This after the Minister of Health Joe Phaahla said SA could not end the disaster until it had taken sufficient steps to deal with future waves of Covid infections.
He said the government should not be pressured to end the disaster.
“While we have the fourth wave of infectionseveryone is eager to end the pandemic,” Phaahla said at the State of the Nation Address (sona) debate.
“However, the reality is that although we have learned more about the virus – and we have more weapons – and the virus is seemingly getting weaker, the war is far from over.”
However, epidemiologist Dr Jo Barnes said that while the pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the country’s life, incomes and prosperity, it is understandable that there is an increasing demand for all restrictions to be lifted every time there is a lull. between waves of the outbreak.
“Unfortunately, such calls are based on hope rather than hard facts. The assumption is that since the last variant, omicron, caused less severe clinical symptoms, the possible next one will be even less significant,” she added.
“There is no hard evidence for that. Omicron did not arise from the Delta variant and delta did not arise from beta. Omicron came from a completely different part of the family tree.”
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Barnes said her other concern with the restrictions being lifted too soon was that if another variant with serious consequences came along – as it probably will – the population would have to renew the irritating but practical restrictions, such as wearing masks, keeping a safe distance and limiting the number of indoor locations would be nearly impossible.
“I am concerned that awareness campaigns to meet calls for vaccination and personal protection measures are falling far short of what was needed, especially in our low-income communities,” she said.
Professor Glenda Davison of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology also said she believed the land was not quite out of the woods yet.
Although SA had exited the fourth wave, with fewer hospitalizations and deaths, risk of new variants was there.
“The fact is that while large numbers of people are still unvaccinated, there is always a risk.
“However, we are slowly moving into an endemic phase and learning how to live with the virus,” Davison said.
“At this point, however, I think we should still wear masks in public and encourage everyone to get vaccinated. I think once we have high vaccination rates, maybe it’s time to review the regulations.”