New COVID-19 Cases in South Africa with 'Omicron' Variant Triple in One Week

On the 27th (local time), a flight cancellation notice is displayed on the electronic board at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] In South Africa, where the new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron' is spreading, the number of new confirmed cases is rapidly increasing.

The South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) announced on the 27th (local time) that the number of new confirmed cases was recorded at 3,220. Recently, South Africa's new confirmed cases have surged from 312 on the 23rd, to 868 on the 24th, 2,456 on the 25th, and 2,828 on the 26th. This is more than a threefold increase in one week.

The positive rate relative to the number of tests also surged. On the 27th, 34,880 people were tested, and 3,220 were confirmed positive, resulting in a positivity rate of 9.23%.

As the surge in confirmed cases continues in South Africa, local scientists analyzed virus samples and initially confirmed six cases of Omicron. There is even an estimate that up to 90% of new confirmed cases locally are due to Omicron.

The vaccination rate among South African adults stands at 41% for at least one dose and 35% for full vaccination. Dr. Angelique Coetzee of South Africa, who first alerted health authorities about the Omicron variant, stated in an interview with the British daily The Telegraph that the symptoms of Omicron are "unusual but mild."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.