Zuko Komisa

National Department of Health rejects reports of new COVID-19 variant.
The COVID-19 Omicron XBB variant that is making the rounds on social media has been the subject of old and bogus news, according to the National Department of Health.
The department states that similar to other regions of the world, COVID-19 is still circulating throughout the nation at comparatively low levels.
These fraudulent posts further suggest mask wearers do so due to a purportedly “deadly and not easy-to-detect variant.” The department said in a statement on Tuesday that the public has been urged not to panic because many people have developed some level of immunity from both the vaccines and infections.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and ignore this malicious social media content whose intent is to cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially as the country is entering influenza season. The current strain or variant in circulation is less severe and less transmissible.”
“The department will keep the public abreast as and when there is a surge in cases of illness caused by any virus of concern or outbreak of any disease.”
The National Department of Health
Voicenote by Foster Mohale Spokesperson for National Health Department on old fake news about new variant of COVID-19 in South Africa. pic.twitter.com/o8V6QFdVuu
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) May 1, 2024
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