The South African Department of Health has said all Covid-19 contact tracing should be stopped with immediate effect.This is except where infections are picked up in congregate settings and cluster outbreaks.
In an updated memorandum, dated 23 December, the department said that “containment strategies are no longer appropriate” and that a mitigation strategy is the only viable way to curb transmission of the virus, especially in the context of the new Omicron variant
It noted there was new information about Covid-19, including high immunity levels in the population from prior exposure to the virus (around 60% – 80%) and/or vaccination; that there was a high number of asymptomatic cases, and that only a small proportion of infections were diagnosed through lab testing.
All contacts must continue with heightened monitoring strategies, such as daily temperature testing and symptom screening, of any early signs of Covid-19 infection. If they develop symptoms, they should be tested and be managed according to the severity of the symptoms, it said.Contacts must not be tested unless they develop symptoms, the department said.
Quarantining
The quarantine requirement for people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive should also be stopped with immediate effect, the department said. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated contacts.
No testing for Covid-19 is required – unless the contact becomes symptomatic.
Isolation of mild cases
Last week, the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19 advised that the isolation period for people who test positive for Covid-19 and are symptomatic be reduced from 10 to seven days.
According to the department, persons with mild symptoms should isolate for eight days. However, it notes that these individuals should continue wearing face masks at all times for the duration of the eight days – including at home, work, and in public spaces.
These individuals do not need to test for Covid-19 via a PCR or antigen test eight days after their isolation period and before returning to work.
In circumstances where isolation exceeds eight days, this must be supported by a medical report, the department said.
Asymptomatic
For individuals who are asymptomatic (displaying no symptoms), no isolation period is required.
The department advised individuals to do self-observation for 5-7 days for the development of any symptoms. They should also take precautions by avoiding spaces where there are gatherings, and continue to wear a face mask and practice physical distancing.
Severe disease
The isolation period for individuals with severe disease, described as those who test positive and have symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, is set at 10 days after they have achieved clinical stability.
These individuals must also wear a face mask at all times for the duration of the 10 days of isolation. No PCR or antigen test is required after their isolation period.
Severe cases beyond the 10-day isolation period must be supported by the medical report, the department added.
Source News24
Great pragmatic approach. Unfortunate that we don’t have pragmatic leadership in zambia, only text book leaders
Great pragmatlc approach. Unfortunate that we don’t have pragmatlc Ieadership in zambia, only text book Ieaders
Ebwaume ubu… Very good ba RSA
High time playing second fiddle ended and if anything let South Africa lead the rest of Africa in better practices of managing the Covid pandemic. It’s encouraging that the SA Health Department is managing a home developed prescription.
This is because they have had a high number of citizens exposed to COV-19. We have not reached this level in Zambia. Lets Continue to be vigilant and observe preventive measures advised by our MoH. S. Africa have a much more robust health system to shift gears if things go south. We don’t.
@Steve it’s quite possible we may have already reached this level in Zambia aswell. SA’s approach is similar to the Swedish and Danish stragtegy: they have lifted almost all restrictions and anyone who wants can get vaccinated – those who don’t are not forced to do so but considered responsible for their own fate.
The result is that the pandemic has caused much less damage to Sweden and Danish economy than elsewhere in Europe. Schools and Kindergartens have also remained open throughout. Even if a teacher contracted the virus, the strategy is that as long as the symptoms were mild, the person can continue teaching.
Having experienced the negativity, SA understands the need to stay hushed up like did China right from inception.
China told the world about covid, and almost got shut out. They controlled their media, and stayed open to the world. SA educated the world about omicron, and consequently got red listed.
Omicron spreads like wild fire. Our numbers are bound to increase. But it is much milder than delta. Continuously updating the world about our situation can only have one negative effect. The higher the positivity, the higher the likelihood of getting red listed. Period!
If Masebos vaccination campaign is through fear mongering by numbers, someone needs to educate her about the consequences.
Our economy cannot withstand getting red listed!