The South African government is closely monitoring a new COVID‑19 variant, NB.1.8.1—nicknamed “Nimbus”—which has been detected in parts of Asia and the UK, but Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that there is no sign of a resurgence in local cases. This strain, classified by the WHO as a “variant under monitoring,” is a descendant of Omicron and has shown increased transmissibility abroad, though it has not led to more severe illness.
South Africa’s NICD-run sentinel surveillance programme continues to report very low COVID‑19 activity, and the country is also experiencing a typical seasonal rise in influenza. Current vaccine protection remains effective against the new variant, meaning no new public health measures are required at this time.
Motsoaledi urged the public to maintain basic hygiene habits—handwashing, staying home when unwell, and covering coughs—to curb respiratory illness and emphasised the strength of South Africa’s existing surveillance infrastructure. The government continues to work with G20 health counterparts in Johannesburg to reinforce global preparedness and equitable access to medical countermeasures.
