The Department of Health announced that as of 19 January 2023, the cumulative number of Covid 19 cases identified in South Africa stood at 4 051 787 with 1 296 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.
There were also 20 new deaths reported, bringing the total to 102 588 deaths.
The department said that the cumulative number of recoveries is now at 3 943 529 with a recovery rate of 97.3%.
Meanwhile, countries abroad are starting to implement security measures amid the covid outbreak – although the symptoms of the new XBB.1.5 variant are said to not be as disturbing as those experienced by other variants.
Symptoms
Medical experts say symptoms associated with the new variant still include fever, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, cough and sinus congestion.
Experts also stress that loss of taste and smell is not common in new strains.
Also read: XBB.1.5 variant may not cause large wave of Covid-19 infections – Ministry of Health
The variant is said to affect some children worldwide, but experts assure that this is not because children are more susceptible to the strain. The explanation of this phenomenon is linked to the fact that they cannot be vaccinated and are seen more in schools and other public places.
China – on the other hand – has celebrated with crowds and family gatherings after its government lifted its zero-Covid policy that imposed lockdown restrictions.
The zero-Covid approach is said to damage the economy and make citizens bored with repeated restrictions and tests.
protest
Protests erupted in November against Chinese President Xi Jinping. A few weeks later, China rejected a key part of its zero-Covid strategy.
The country earlier this week began the Lunar New Year, which is China’s most important annual holiday.
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With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, many people are finally able to return to their hometowns to reunite with their families.
But Chinese authorities have reported that the lockdown will continue but will only apply to more targeted areas such as individual buildings, units or floors rather than entire neighborhoods or closed cities.
The country also reopened its borders after nearly three years.