South African President Cyril Ramafoza warned tonight that his country could face a fourth pandemic in a matter of weeks as the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus Omicron variant leads to an increase in infections in Gauteng, province of the country.
In the coming weeks, “we will know if Omicron is causing a more serious illness,” Ramafoza said, noting that the country would face a fourth wave of pandemics if cases continued to rise.
The government is considering giving a boost of Covid-19 vaccine to the most vulnerable groups, and is also discussing whether vaccination will be mandatory in certain areas or for certain activities.
However, the President assured that no restrictive measures will be imposed at this stage.
Ramafoza also expressed “deep disappointment” that some countries have banned travel to South Africa and neighboring countries to identify the Omicron variant. He argued that countries that impose travel restrictions are discriminating against South Africa and will not solve the problem in this way. He called for the lifting of the ban “immediately and urgently”, which lacks “scientific basis”, he said.
He stressed, on the other hand, that the appearance of Omicron should mean the bell that inequality in the distribution of vaccines is not allowed and, instead of banning travel, rich countries should support the developing ones in their fight against Covid-19.
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