COVID-19 Updated Public Health Measures and Travel Advisory
- Press release //
- COVID-19 Updated Public Health Measures and Travel Advisory
COVID-19 Updated Public Health Measures and Travel Advisory
After the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on 5 April 2020, South Sudan experienced three waves: the first wave from May to June 2020, the second wave February to March 2021, and the third wave from December 2021 to January 2022. The waves typically lasted 34 Weeks each.
Because of limited testing and weak surveillance, as of 30 June 2022, only 17,733 confirmed COVID-19 cases including 138 deaths have been reported in South Sudan since the start of the pandemic. In spite of the significant underreporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths in South Sudan, other epidemiological studies suggest continuous community transmission in the country. Moreover, 55% of South Sudan's population is under the age of 18 years, and with COVID-19 typically affecting the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, the country has been saved from high mortality as seen in neighbouring countries.
The most recent genomic sequencing data identified the BA.I and BA.2 sub-lineages of the Omicron variant as dominant in South Sudan in May 2022. Earlier, the Alpha [B.1.1.71, Beta [B.1.351], and Delta [B.1.617.2] variants of concern were detected in the country.
With less than 10% of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, South Sudan remains at elevated risk of further surges in cases, especially in view of the potential emergence of new variants.
Download Press Document