By Everson Luhanga
The national Department of Health says reports of new Covid-19 variants are fake, old news.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale said the department has noted reports circulating on social media platforms warning about the Covid-19 Omicron XBB variant. People are being advised to wear face masks because of this alleged deadly and difficult-to-detect variant.
“This is a misleading message which first surfaced during the peak of the pandemic without a traceable source,” said Mohale.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content. The intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as we are entering flu season.”
Scrolla.Africa reported on 29 April that the health department had urged South Africans to get a flu shot before the onset of winter.
Mohale said Covid-19 is still circulating at relatively low levels around the country, just as it is in other parts of the world.
But there is no need for the public to panic because many people have developed some level of immunity from both vaccines and infections.
“The current strain or variant in circulation is less severe and less transmissible,” he said.
Mohale said taking measures, such as hand hygiene and coughing into one’s elbow, will help prevent the spread of other respiratory infections, including flu.
“The department will keep the public abreast as and when there is a surge in cases of illness caused by any virus of concern or outbreak of any disease,” he said.
Pictured above: Hand sanitiser.
Image source: Stock
