Omicron has passed peak in South Africa

South Africa appears to have passed the peak of its omicron variant-driven fourth coronavirus wave, the country’s cabinet announced Thursday, adding that there was only a “marginal increase” in fatalities, which remained low compared to previous spikes. The number of infections fell by roughly 30% to just under 90,000 for the week ending Dec. 25, down from some 127,000 in the prior corresponding period, government data show. The number of hospital admissions has also been significantly lower over the past 1½ weeks. The country’s medical system has capacity to provide “routine health services,” authorities said in a Thursday statement, adding that the government would roll back certain pandemic control measures.