According to a government statement, Omicron variants were less transmissible than other waves.
It was marginally higher than the previous year.
This variant was first reported in South Africa last month. It is now spreading rapidly across the globe, leading to widespread curbs.
The World Health Organization (WHO), has warned that there could be a tsunami of Omicron and Delta variant infections that could overwhelm health care systems.
However, in South Africa, after a special cabinet meeting, a statement said that hospital admissions and cases had fallen in nearly all provinces.
The number of confirmed infected persons for the week ended 25 December 2021 was 89,781, a decrease from the 127,753 reported the previous week. Instead of closing at 23:00, businesses will be able to sell alcohol according to normal licensing rules.
Since late March 2020, a national state-of-disaster was declared, overnight curfew rules have been in effect for varying severity levels.
Officials said that despite the Omicron wave, the country still has “spare capability for admission of patients even to routine health services”.
Public are being reminded to continue getting vaccinated, and to follow all public health protocols including mandatory mask-wearing.
Gatherings are limited to 1,000 indoors and 2,000 outside, or 50% of the venue capacity. This allows for social distancing.
Officials stated that the National Coronavirus Command Council will be monitoring the situation and making adjustments if necessary.
South Africa saw almost 3.5 million Covid-19 deaths and more than 90,000. This is more than any other African country.
Many countries are fighting the Omicron wave around the globe while trying to impose restrictions.
According to Israel’s director-general for health, a fourth Covid-19 vaccine has been approved. On Thursday, the country recorded its highest level of cases since September.
France reported over 200,000 cases on the second day in succession
India’s Covid epidemic has led to increased restrictions in India. This includes night curfews for all major cities.
Germany announced that it would lift travel restrictions for those arriving from the countries most affected by Omicron in January.
Portugal has reduced the time for self-isolation in asymptomatic Covid cases and contact cases to 10 days
