Should we be worried about the prevalent COVID-19 B.1.617 variant?
Updated | By East Coast Radio
With India going through
a tragic second wave consisting of more than 400,000 new cases, Prof
Tulio explains why completely going back to normal might be a bad idea.

The world is currently witnessing India go through a heavy second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa might
learn a similar lesson the hard way if we don’t take note.
READ MORE: COVID-19 variant spreading in India not detected in SA: Health Dep
The real issue is how quickly they moved from the restrictions to having big celebrations and gatherings like political rallies and religious events.
Does that sound familiar? This serves as a warning for South Africans, as we seem to have forgotten that we are in a pandemic!
READ MORE: Traveller from India treated for COVID-19 at KZN hospital
Prof Tulio also notes that the 14 crew members that were said to be at sea from India have not yet entered the country. People should stay calm as they are at sea, isolated on the boat, being treated with doctors investigating.
READ MORE: Positive COVID-19 cases on ship that arrived in Durban from India
‘Vaccine’ is another word that’s become part of everyone’s everyday vocabulary. Will this vaccine that we have in South Africa be able to treat the new variant?
Find out in this podcast with world renowned Prof Tulio de Oliviera as he answers the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19.
Listen to the full podcast here:
On a very exciting note, Prof Tulio details his newest project: 'Jiving with Science: Variants, Vaccines with Guy Buttery and Tulio de Oliveira'.
'Jiving with Science' is a project to engage musicians and scientists to translate scientific facts into easy to understand language. Musicians have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and in this episode, Guy Buttery, a master sitar and guitarist, talks to Prof. Tulio de Oliveira about the challenges. We also learn more information about the variants, vaccines, and testing in South Africa. This episode was filmed at Khululeka farm in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa by Paul Harris and Astrid Treffy-Goatley.
Watch it here:
For more of the best Darren, Keri, and Sky moments, listen here:
Main Image Courtesy of iStock
Show's Stories
-
Tech in 2025: The future is here, and it's getting weird
The future is here, and it's getting pretty weird – and slightly frighte...
East Coast Breakfast 2 days, 10 hours ago -
WATCH: Kayaker briefly swallowed by humpback whale
Even after this harrowing incident, the 24-year-old can't wait to get ba...
Stacey & J Sbu 2 days, 15 hours ago