Covid-19: How we are losing the war

 

Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters

 

FIRST of all, I would like to appreciate the dedication and hard work of all the frontline workers in the war against Covid-19.

I would also like to appreciate the effort our Government is making in providing vaccines and other measures meant to stem the spread of Covid-19.

However, as I write this article, more than 5 000 of our kinsmen have died of this terrible disease and that, to me, cannot be considered success.

Granted, we are doing better than some countries, but I propose that we are slowly losing the war against Covid-19.

To make matters worse, the omicron variant has mutated to a more sinister form, the BA.2 variant, which is worse than the original omicron in so many ways.

Not only is it more infectious and liable to cause more serious illness, it has also been known to evade current tests and does not respect the Covid-19 vaccine as much as previous variants did.

This means even previously vaccinated people are getting sick, although they are less likely to die.

Because the overall number of cases is going down, there is now a lot of complacency around Covid-19 preventative measures.

With schools open, there is rampant ‘household mixing’ which will lead to rapid spread of Covid-19.

Weddings and other social events have continued unrestrained and it is business as usual in most entertainment joints.

While appreciating that life has to go on, we should still take all necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary interactions.

We should not forget that most of the current Covid-19 prevention measures are acts of desperation.

Face masks, when worn properly and consistently, are a crucial intervention. Sanitising hands, premises and general cleanliness also does a lot to stem the spread of Covid-19.

Physical distancing remains a fool proof method to stop you from getting infected.

The most useful weapon we have, however, in the fight against Covid-19, remains vaccination.

As new evidence emerges, more booster shots may be needed, but for now everyone who is eligible should get their initial shots and the booster dose thereafter.

So remember, Covid-19 is still rearing its ugly head and it is your responsibility to make sure we end it and reclaim our old lives.