4th Wave predicted in South Africa as Covid-19 cases rise

An analysis of wastewater indicated that the coronavirus cases in South Africa are beginning to climb the positivity rate, with many areas reporting a consistent prevalent graph. This was further supported by a total of 887 confirmed cases over a 24-hour time frame on 20^th November.

Adding to this spike, 21^st November witnessed the Covid-19 positivity rate to be 3.4% of the total tests performed. This is the highest proportion of people across South Africa testing positive for Covid since 26^th September. The spiraling cases came to light after the National Institute of Communicable Diseases mentioned that the Covid-19 incidents were increasing in wastewater samples in one of the most populous zones, Gauteng of South Africa.  

Furthermore, the South African Medical Research Council represented their data which indicated the number of deaths due to coronavirus was over a historical average and this has been on a rise in recent weeks. NICD added to this by saying that the number of people dying due to coronavirus in Gauteng has been on a rise, especially in the Tshwane municipal area. 

NICD’s acting executive director, Adrian Puren in his official statement said “Localized increases in case numbers (clusters) are not unexpected. However, it is hard to say whether the increases indicate the start of a widespread resurgence.”

While almost 60-70% of South African adults are fully vaccinated and there are higher chances they were already affected by the virus, still the scientists claim a fourth wave, although less severe, would be inevitable in December.

Patients returning to Hospitals

In July, South Africa went through the worst wave it had experienced with coronavirus before with almost 20,000 confirmed infections. 

And, now South African hospitals are again witnessing the return of Covid patients. This surge demands a faster vaccination drive to ensure that the fourth wave doesn’t cause higher hospital admissions.