​Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has called for calm amidst the growing concern of the new COVID-19 variant that has been reported in Asia, offering assurance that it is not a cause for concern at this stage in South Africa. 
This follows the fake and misleading posts circulating across social media platforms claiming that the public must wear a mask due to a "deadly" and "hard-to-detect" COVID-19 variant. 
"South Africa is actively monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a resurgence of cases in parts of Asia. 
"I wish to reassure this esteemed gathering that South Africa has robust surveillance systems in place. Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases manages a comprehensive Sentinel Surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV," said the Minister during his welcoming address at the G20 Health Working Group Meeting on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.
Currently, data from the NICD show very low SARS-CoV-2 activity. However, the country is seeing a seasonal increase in influenza (flu) as the cold weather persists. 
Nimbus is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and has been associated with a resurgence of cases in parts of Asia. Current data does not indicate that this variant causes more severe illness than other variants currently in circulation
In addition, the Minister assured the G20 Health Working Group and public at large that government is continuing to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.
"No specific new public health actions are required from the public. We continue to advocate for maintaining good hygiene practices such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when unwell. These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses," urged Minister Motsoaledi. 
The current approved COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against this new variant should it be a concern in the country.