The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported on 31 December 2019 by the World Health Organization country office following a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been confirmed as the causative virus of COVID-19. To date, COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and it is continuing to spread across the globe. The NICD aims to keep you updated with relevant and current information concerning COVID-19, ranging from frequently asked questions, providing technical resources and guidelines, information on prevention, an updated list of countries that are affected, advice for returning travellers and communication resources that can be utilised across settings.
No need to panic about the new COVID-19 variant
The newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, is an Omicron-descendent lineage derived from the recombinant variant
COVID-19 Update: Latest on SARS-CoV-2 Subvariant XEC (January 2025)
A new SARS-CoV-2 subvariant, XEC, has been detected in several countries, including South Africa. First
There are lots of myths about flu: we debunk six of them
Despite the availability of vaccines for influenza – or flu – the virus continues to
Hope is on the horizon for a malaria-free Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is disproportionally affected by malaria. The region accounts for 95% of the world’s
Water cuts in South Africa are hurting hospitals and clinics – there’s an increased risk of infections
South Africa is a water-scarce country. Changing rainfall patterns and the escalating electricity crisis are
COVID-19 UPDATE: XBB.1.5 VARIANT
The Omicron variant of concern has given rise to many new sublineages, including the BA.1
Advisory on measures to control COVID-19 following lifting of COVID-19 regulations
As of 22 June 2022, numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections continue to decrease in South Africa,
Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5 FAQ
1. What are BA.4 and BA.5? BA.4 and BA.5 are two newly-designated Omicron lineages. They
SURVEILLANCE REPORTS
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
GUIDELINES
Various guidelines on the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 including clinical management of cases and the use of cloth masks.
TECHNICAL RESOURCES
Quick Reference for Clinical Health Care Workers on management of suspected cases including specimen submissions forms and NMC Case notification forms.
PREVENTION TIPS
Ways to minimise the risk of COVID-19
ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS
All you need to know about travelling
COMMUNICATION RESOURCES
Alerts, Videos and Infographics
