Third wave of COVID ‘unlikely to be worse than previous waves’ – Mkhize

It’s high time we had some good news about COVID-19, and it seems that the fears of a ‘destructive’ third wave are being eased by some of South Africa’s highest health authorities. During a Parliamentary Health Committee briefing on Wednesday, Minister Zweli Mkhize downplayed concerns about the impact of a virus resurgence.

Dangers of the third wave ‘played down’ by Mkhize

Although he doesn’t deny that a third wave is likely to happen, Mkhize is now confident that it won’t rip through the country like previous waves have done. His tone marks a significant departure from the messaging that has been in place throughout 2021 – but this doesn’t mean South Africans can now toss caution to the wind.

“Everything about it remains uncertain – basically when it is to arise, how bad it is – although there are indications it is unlikely to be worse than the second wave. Nevertheless, what we would like is a situation where we vaccinate as many people as possible without really being troubled, worrying about the next wave.”

“We hope it may not be as that bad. No one can say for a fact, we can predict. We are watching out for it and will respond as far as possible as it arises. If we keep to non-pharmaceuticals interventions, we can keep the wave away.”

COVID-19 cases rising in some parts of SA

Indeed, the first ripples of a third wave may already be happening in three provinces. COVID-19 rates are up in the Northern Cape, Free State, and North West. With fewer than 300 000 people vaccinated in SA, a new surge in infections does have the potential to claim ‘thousands more’ lives. But once more, Zweli Mkhize was keen to add some perspective:

“The Northern Cape, Free State, and North West show COVID-19 numbers that are increasing. However, those numbers are very low compared to the total number of the population in South Africa. We’re working on them very closely – and trying to reduce the numbers and further spread in those areas.” | Zweli Mkhize