The Western Cape province has been ramping up efforts to deal with the Delta variant, which was first detected in India has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in South Africa.
Other variants that have been circulating in the province include the Alpha and Beta variants.
Another problem for the province is the the emergence of a fourth variant, the Eta variant.
A report by eNCA said the Eta variant that was originally detected in Nigeria.
The first case in the Western Cape was identified as early as March this year in the Garden Route.
More cases were subsequently identified in the Garden Route in May.
Experts say it is too early to determine the impact that the Eta variant will have, however authorities are keeping a close eye on the variant.
In a statement issued on Monday 28 June 2021 Western Cape Premier said that the rapid growth of Covid-19 infections in South Africa was a cause of very serious concern for the Western Cape Government.
“The Western Cape Government has been closely monitoring the growth of cases during the third wave, as well as its impact on our health platform. We have already introduced a trigger system that allows for immediate interventions to ensure we always have enough beds, oxygen and staff to care for every person who needs it,”
“However, the recent announcement that the Delta variant, which spreads quicker and which therefore poses a greater risk to our health system, is likely to dominate means we must go back to our plans and confirm that our existing trigger system remains effective,” Winde said.
The Western Cape government said it would engage its public health experts and epidemiologists, for immediate steps that may be taken to safeguard the province’s health-platform and to save lives.