JOHANNESBURG - There's been sharp increases in traces of the COVID-19 virus picked up in wastewater in parts of the Western Cape, Limpopo and other areas in the last few weeks.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says the number of people testing positive has also increased.
Wits vaccinologist, Professor Shabir Madhi, said there is an increase in transmission of the virus in different provinces.
"It is an early indicator that we can anticipate for there to be an increase in the number of hospitalisations as well.
"At the same time what I think we can expect with this -- if there is a resurgence upon us -- is that it will very llikely be similar to what we experienced round about April/May," Madhi said.
"Those individuals that will be most affected are unvaccinated individuals and particularly those above the age of 60 or if they have underlying conditions.”