SA has ‘mountain to climb’ as variants take hold, warns Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that government is very concerned about the rapid spread of the Delta variant throughout the country.
The Delta variant, which was first identified in India, has now been detected in Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.
“We are concerned about the rapid spread of this variant. Firstly, because it is more transmissible than previously circulating viruses, meaning it is easier to catch through person-to-person contact,” Ramaphosa said in a national address on Sunday.
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It is thought to be twice as contagious as the Beta variant, which was first identified in South Africa.
“Secondly, because it is more contagious, it can infect far more people. As with the previous variants, you can pass it on without even knowing you have it. Thirdly, there is now emerging scientific evidence that people previously infected with the Beta variant do not have full protection against the Delta variant, and may get reinfected,” Ramaphosa added.
The good news, Ramaphosa said, is that the vaccines available in South Africa are effective against the Delta variant.
“The Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee will continue to consider all data at its disposal and will adapt its advice as and when new evidence emerges.
"We must also remember that some vaccinated people may still become infected, regardless of variant, because no vaccine is 100% effective.”
