According to a prospective cohort study, case incidence, hospital admissions, and in-hospital mortality increased during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, as the Beta variant (B.1.351) became predominant.

It has been reported that cases increased considerably during the second wave compared to the first wave - 240.4 per 100,000 people compared to 136 per 100,000. Hospital admissions (27.9 per 100,000 vs 16.1 per 100,000) and deaths (8.3 per 100,000 vs 3.6 per 100,000) also showed a dramatic rise in the second wave. A multivariable analysis of the second wave revealed that there was a 31% increased risk of in-hospital death (adjusted OR 1.31). The findings are published in Lancet Global Health… (Medpage Today)