While many believe the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has mild reactions, Namibian health authorities believe the variant is causing hospitalisation and deaths, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
So far, 81 people have died in the first nine days of January while 72 died in December.
Late last year, The World Health Organisation (WHO) said scientists are working around the clock to understand more about the severity and impact of the Omicron variant with the outcome yet to be disclosed to the general public.
“There is no new information yet. Omicron can also cause hospitalisation and deaths, especially in unvaccinated individuals,” stated health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula on the status of the Omicron variant in the country.
Most of the blame and the mutation of the variant has been put on citizens across the world for not getting vaccinated, stating that in choosing not to take the vaccine, one becomes a vector or host for the virus.
Namibia yesterday recorded 451 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths, bringing the total deaths in the country to 3 726. The Khomas region recorded the highest number of cases at 129, followed by Erongo with 66 cases, Omusati 55, //Kharas 37, Oshikoto 36, Otjozondjupa 32, Oshana 26, Omaheke 21, Kunene 18, Hardap 13 and Ohangwena, three cases.
Among the confirmed cases are 51 learners, six teachers, four students and 10 healthcare workers.
According to the AFP Global Update, the number of Covid-19 cases soared by nearly two thirds across the world this week, but pandemic-linked deaths continued to drop. The average number of new daily coronavirus cases increased to 1.94 million, a 64% increase compared to the previous week.
With the highly contagious Omicron Covid-19 variant present in most countries, flare-ups took place in every region of the world, in Africa 3%. Namibia experienced a 32% drop, followed by Comoros (minus 29%), Russia (minus 24%) and South Korea (23%). Eswatini and Namibia in southern Africa were in early December among the first countries to be hit by the Omicron variant.
By 8 January 2022, a total of 407 872 people aged 18 years and above have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, representing 27.2% of the target population (1 501 041). A total of 106 866 have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, while 240 145 adults have received two doses of other vaccine types. Therefore, 347 011 adults have completed their vaccination, translating to 23.1% of the target population. psiririka@nepc.com.na
Additional reporting by Nampa
Caption (Omicron)
Variant… Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula says the Omicron variant can cause hospitalisation and deaths, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
Photo: Paheja Siririka