Provincial Health authorities have warned healthcare workers, the working population, professionals and every member of the community to take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The provincial spokesperson of the Health Department, Mondli Mvambi, explained that there are 1 938 new cases in the Free State. Currently, the total confirmed Covid-19 cases in the province stands at 172 704, with 157 785 (or 91%) recoveries. In total, 7 116 deaths have been reported in the province to date, with the highest fatality rate reported in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District. The provincial case fatality rate is 4.2%.

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The wave of Covid-19 in South Africa, fuelled by Omicron, is seeing mainly mild cases in those vaccinated, but shows “a very steep rise - steeper than the rise and curve from previous waves”, national Health Minister Joe Phaahla told an online media briefing on Friday.

The provincial department previously confirmed that scores of healthcare workers have tested positive for Covid-19, as an indication of a fourth wave are gaining momentum.  

It was following the Provincial Health Headquarters - Bophelo House - in Bloemfontein being closed down over two days due to 17 officials at the building testing positive. At the Gabriel Dichabe Clinic in Bloemfontein, more than half of the personnel - 18 healthcare workers - tested positive. At the MUCPP Clinic, a total of 22 healthcare workers tested positive. 

The department encourages vaccination as it increases the capacity of the immune system to identify and fight the virus. The department also encourages all healthcare workers and the general public to enrol for booster shots as an additional but essential measure to keep the immune system on the alert level in order to quell any invasion by the intrusive virus.

OFM News