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South Africa says Omicron wave  may have passed the peak
COVID-19-Virus/Pixabay

The BBC reported that South Africa has lifted overnight curfew rules, with officials saying the country may have passed the peak of its fourth wave of Covid-19 infections.

A government statement said the Omicron variant, while highly transmissible, had seen lower hospitalisation rates than previous waves.

It added, there had been a marginal increase in the number of deaths.

A statement released after a special cabinet meeting said cases and hospital admission rates had dropped in almost all provinces across the country.

South Africa/Shutterstock
South Africa/Shutterstock

For the week ending 25 December 2021, the number of confirmed infections stood at 89,781 - down from 127,753 the week before.

The changes announced include lifting restrictions on movement between midnight and 04:00. Businesses will also be allowed to sell alcohol under normal licensing rules, instead of closing at 23:00.

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The public are still being urged to get vaccinated and follow public health protocols, including mandatory mask-wearing.

Gatherings remain capped at 1,000 people indoors and 2,000 outdoors or 50% at venue capacity to allow for social distancing.

It should be noted South Africa has recorded almost 3.5 million Covid-19 cases and more than 90,000 deaths during the pandemic.

Source: BBC