An interesting letter from the Director General from the Republic of South Africa’s Health Department suggests the direction could be positive based on the less severe nature of the omicron variant of concern. Although this variant or super mutant appears far more transmissible all data thus far indicates a less severe pathogen. Now a letter from South Africa’s top health authority, not widely reported in the West, suggests a move from pandemic to endemic stage. This is truly good news if the data findings persist. The news was recently tweeted by Dr. David Eli.

That’s right! South Africa the doctor reports now “Ends contact tracing, quarantines and COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic people.” He goes on “This is the correct decision” assuming “the pandemic has ended and COVID is now endemic.” Should all nations do the same?

What does the letter say?

TrialSite includes an attachment to the letter below. In summary due to lessening severity of Omicron the Director General Health Dr. Sandile Buthelezi. Published a letter declaring that among other things containment strategies (e.g., lockdowns) aren’t appropriate moving forward!

Why? Because “mitigation is the only viable strategy, especially true of the newer, more infectious/transmissible variants like OMICRON.” Also, the South African health head delineates the positive trending news including the following new knowledge about this variant of concern:

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Higher proportion of asymptomatic cases
High degree of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic spread
Aerosol spread
Only a small proportion of cases are diagnosed

The authorities there are ceasing contract tracing efforts as well. They are ceasing quarantining to both vaccinated and unvaccinated contacts. Moreover, isolation rules are updated. The signals are promising. But of course, as with everything during the COVID-19 the situation is subject to change and TrialSite will continue to provide the community objective, global updates.