Authorities are concerned by a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections in the Western Cape, with the SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) saying yesterday that this was the highest increase since March and that at-risk South Africans should consider face masks and social distancing.
SAMRC president Professor Glenda Gray said there had been a significant increase in the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in several wastewater treatment plants in Cape Town in the past week, as well as in De Doorns, Rawsonville and Worcester.
In the past week, reports Health-e News, the SAMRC Wastewater Surveillance team has measured concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Cape Town and parts of the Western Cape that have not been observed for many months.
For the past two years, SAMRC has operated a surveillance programme for SARS-CoV RNA in more than 80 wastewater treatment plants across six provinces.
Increase not evident in other provinces
Professor Angela Mathee, a member of the SAMRC wastewater surveillance team, said similar increases in SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater had not been recorded in any of the other five provinces.
However, she recommended people should revert to basic protective measures like avoiding or wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces or when caring for sick people, using hand sanitiser and washing hands, and keeping up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots.
Health-e News article – COVID-19: Concerning increase in the Western Cape (Open access)
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