COVID has been on a break for a while, but it looks like the latest season is out. We’re seeing a sudden increase in testing at our centres. XB.1.15 (the Kraken)
You can learn more about that on the NICD helpful report, which tracks which variants are infecting people in South Africa, here.
What Did The Positive Cases Look Like?
✔ On average, positive cases were between 30 and 50 years old.
✔ 68.2% were women and 31.8% were men.
✔ 66.7% had not received their COVID-19 vaccine.
✔ 90% said they were feeling COVID symptoms.
What Variant Is Spreading In South Africa?
The latest National Institute For Communicable diseases COVID-19 variant tracking report on is out. This means that we’ve got the inside scoop on which variants are worrying experts.
According to the NICD, the main variant of Concern is Omicron in South Africa. Omicron continued to dominate in February with 99.2% of all cases attributed to this variant (NICD, 2023). March was even higher at 99.9% but in April this variant fell ever so slightly to 99.0% (NICD, 2023).
The sub variant of omicron known as XBB.1.5 was the dominant lineage in February (69%), March (78%) and April (81%) (NICD, 2023). It is currently dominant in May (79%), although this is based on low numbers (n=19). Recently, XBB.1.16 has been detected at a low numbers in March and April (<5%) in Gauteng (n=3) and the Western Cape (n=4) (NICD, 2023).
Introducing the Cough Check study, a groundbreaking initiative by Epicentre Health Research in partnership with local healthcare providers and the National Institute Of Communicable Diseases. This study offers FREE testing for sick people over 5 years old who live within a 30 km radius of an Epicentre Walk-In Lab.
💪 Join us in the fight against COVID-19 and Flu!
By participating in the Cough Check study, you not only gain access to free testing but also become an essential part of important research on these illnesses. Your involvement can help us better understand and combat COVID-19 and Flu, ultimately making a positive impact on public health. Together, we can make a difference!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to prioritize your health and contribute to the greater good. Spread the word and share this post with your friends and family! Let’s ensure everyone has access to this convenient testing option.
The Cough Check study is currently available in Cape Town, within a 30 km radius of Hillcrest, and Johannesburg. If you or someone you know fits the criteria, book your test today and let us come to you!
Your Walk-in Lab Partner
072 843 7564
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Book with Epicentre
For 20 years Epicentre has been fighting South African’s infectious diseases, and now we’re taking on COVID-19! We are a company founded on a vision, ending disease in South Africa! So we believe in making an IMPACT.
We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
By booking your tests with Epicentre, you are supporting a real local company that has worked for 20 years in all 9 provinces, from Pollsmoor prison to Constantia; & you’re getting a gold standard service that experts trust!
