Twelve million South Africans ‘probably’ had coronavirus but low death rate suggests immunity
- More than 20 per cent of South Africa’s population of 58 million has had the virus at some point, says health minister
- Experts suggest that Africa’s most developed economy may be approaching herd immunity
About 12 million people in South Africa have “probably” been infected with the coronavirus, but that startlingly high number has not caused a similarly high death rate and might indicate a widespread “level of immunity,” the country’s minister of health says.
More than 20 per cent of South Africa’s population of 58 million have had the virus at some point, Dr Zweli Mkhize estimated earlier this week. He cited studies that found the presence of coronavirus antibodies in blood samples taken from parts of the population. The findings have prompted the government to start a more complete national study, Dr Mkhize said.
“South Africa has seen the surge receding, and thus raises the question of the level of immunity that may already be existing in society,” he said.
Other studies have indicated that up to 40 per cent of the population might be immune to the virus, the health minister said. Some South African experts suggest that Africa’s most developed economy may be approaching herd immunity, but scientists believe at least 70-80 per cent of a population needs to be immune before there’s any effect. And with Covid-19 it’s unclear how long that immunity might last.
Amid significantly decreasing confirmed virus cases, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing the nation on September 16 and is expected to announce a further easing of lockdown restrictions, which might include a limited opening of international borders to travellers from some countries.
