Covid-19 remains circulating at relatively low levels around the country, just like in other parts of the world, according to the Department of Health.
This comes after fake news that is spreading on social media about the Covid-19 Omicron XBB variant that is allegedly making people sick.
According to the department, the fake news advises that people should wear face masks because of an alleged deadly and not-easy-to-detect variant.
“This is a misleading message that first resurfaced during the peak of the pandemic without a traceable source,” said Foster Mohale, the spokesperson for the department.
Mohale urged members of the public to be vigilant and ignore the malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season.
About the circulation of Covid-19, Mohale said there is no need for the public to panic because many people have developed some level of immunity from both vaccines and infections.
Protective measures
“The current strain or variant in circulation is less severe and less transmissible,” said Mohale.
“Taking protective measures in our daily lives, including non-pharmaceutical interventions, including hand hygiene, will help to prevent the spread of other respiratory infections, including influenza.”
He continued by saying that the department would inform the public if and when there was an increase in illness cases brought on by a virus of concern or an outbreak of any disease.
Celebrating Hands Hygiene Day, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) emphasised the importance of washing hands to safeguard both healthcare workers and patients from infections during the influenza season.
“Technique matters when it comes to hand hygiene. It is crucial to use the right amount and to do it the right way,” said the NICD.
“Be sure to apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands thoroughly.”
People at high risk
Meanwhile, Gauteng health and wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has encouraged the public, especially people at high risk of severe influenza, to visit their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers to get the flu vaccination.
Nkomo-Ralehoko urged people at high risk, such as adults aged 65 years and older, people with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and TB, and pregnant women, to visit clinics or healthcare providers to get the flu jab.
“Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from influenza,” she said.
