Omicron affecting visitor numbers

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Visitor numbers to George over the holiday season will be negatively affected by the announcement last week of the emergence of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) coronavirus variant in South Africa, and subsequent international travel restrictions placed on the country.

George Tourism manager Joan Shaw says some international bookings for accommodation in the George area have been cancelled.

"The tourism industry has been dealt a heavy blow with the news of the latest restrictions imposed on South Africa by many of our core market countries. Although we have asked our businesses to complete a survey in this regard, we have not received many responses yet.

"Early indications show that some international bookings have been cancelled, and more are expected, but the domestic market has held its ground so far," she says.

"We do believe though, that many that would still have booked in the next three weeks, will now think twice, due to the fear of beach closures, losing deposits, or travelling to the destination and not being able to get back home.

"Although the President's speech [on Sunday 28 November] was reassuring, the new variant has put doubt in people's minds about whether to travel or not."

Cases in the Garden Route are increasing. As at Tuesday 30 November, the district had 95 active cases (George 47, Knysna 13, Bitou 12, Mossel Bay 12, Oudtshoorn 7, Hessequa 2 and Kannaland 2) compared with 65 a week ago. In George, the recorded cases have doubled from last week.

A sharp increase in new cases and hospital admissions has been recorded in Gauteng over the past few weeks. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the majority of patients admitted were unvaccinated, with a smaller proportion being fully or partially vaccinated.

In a Covid-19 digicon update last week, Western Cape Head of Health Dr Keith Cloete said the Western Cape is seeing small increases with about 44 new cases per day. "Admissions and deaths continue to decrease and are low. The reproduction number in the province is now above one, an indication that case numbers are increasing."

Cloete said the the high number of mutations of the new variant is concerning as it could be more transmissible and there is uncertainty around its immune invasion capabilities. Early signs are that the variant has rapidly increased in Gauteng, and may already be present in most provinces.

High alert

Premier Alan Winde said the Western Cape remains on high alert and is closely monitoring all metrics to ensure that it remains prepared.

"There are still many unknowns on how this new variant will impact the pandemic, and that is why we urge the public to remain calm while increasing their vigilance during this time. We also urge our scientists to find the answers we need as quickly as possible."

Provincial health minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said they believe the existing strategies that the province has adapted over the last three waves continue to be the correct approach, even with the new variant.

"As we learn more, we will adjust our plans as necessary, based on pre-determined triggers of the projected hospital capacity needed.

"We remain committed to ensuring that no person in this province will suffer the indignity of not having a hospital bed when they need it."

She said leading scientists worldwide have been clear that vaccination is critical now.

No unusual symptoms

The NICD said currently no unusual symptoms have been reported following infection with the Omicron variant and, as with other variants, some individuals are asymptomatic.

Based on scientists' understanding of the mutations in this lineage, partial immune escape is likely, but it is likely that vaccines will still offer high levels of protection against hospitalisation and death.

The new variant may be present in all provinces.

Premier Alan Winde has appealed to the public to get vaccinated in the light of the new variant that is probably more transmissible. In the Garden Route, just over 64% of people over 50 has been fully vaccinated.