Cases of COVID-19 in South Africa have witnessed a surge of around 255% over the past seven days; however, anecdotal evidence suggests that infections with the Omicron variant are causing milder symptoms, compared to the previous waves.

A private healthcare provider in the country said that the recent surge in cases, which includes both the Omicron and Delta variants, has been associated with a much smaller rise intensive care admissions. Netcare, South Africa’s biggest private healthcare provider, also said that data from its facilities suggest that there are less severe symptoms in the ongoing fourth wave compared to the previous waves.

The World Health Organization stated that Africa currently accounts for 46% of the Omicron cases reported worldwide… (The Guardian, December 9, 2021)