When South Africa announced it had detected the Omicron variant on November 24, 2021, the rest of the world went into a spin. Then it virtually quarantined South Africa with travel restrictions as cases soared. But it took a while to believe the sudden nose dive that followed. Today South Africa closes out quarantine rules confirming the turn around.
South African Deaths and Infections Continue to Tumble
The situation continued to improve according to News 24. Tuesday February 1 saw 3,085 new infections, of which 32% were in Gauteng province hosting the continent’s busiest airport. The COVID-19 daily death rate was a comfortable 23, bringing the nation’s total direct fatalities to 95,228.
However, the 3,085 cases still represent an 8.8% positivity rate, which would have been far more concerning when Delta raged. South Africa experienced 3,608,307 laboratory-confirmed cases during the pandemic, spinning into a direct mortality rate of 2.6%. However, this does not include an excess death rate of a further 300,000 during the pandemic.
South Africa Decides to Close Out Quarantine Rules
South Africa announced the following relaxed regulations (subject to doctor interventions) on Tuesday February 1, according to Business Insider:
1… Asymptomatic coronavirus cases no longer need to isolate at all.
2… Self isolation for those with symptoms falls from ten to seven days.
3… But those with positive tests and symptoms face more restrictive measures.
South Africa closes out its quarantine rules in response to public sentiment, and in an attempt to revive the economy. However controls on gatherings, and face mask mandates remain in place. This may prove a wise precaution given the virus’ ability to mutate.
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Preview Image: South Africa Current COVID-19 Statistics
