CAPE TOWN – The COVID-19 fourth wave is creeping into Eastern Cape.
The province has positivity rate of over 17%, with almost 4,000 new cases reported over the past week, compared to 136 in the previous week.
However, the number of hospitalisations was still low compared to previous waves.
Of the 291 COVID-19 hospital admissions in the Eastern Cape, 278 were in general wards and there was a lower need for oxygen on admission.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane has, however, raised concern that people between the ages 20 and 39 currently make up over 41% of hospital admissions.
Previous waves largely impacted the elderly.
He said that vaccinations were being ramped up while officials ensured that health facilities were ready for a fourth wave.
With just over three million vaccines administered as of 10 December, Mabuyane has called on more residents to get their jabs as soon as possible.
Artmotion S.Africa
