Covid-19: South Africa hit by fourth wave driven by Omicron variant of coronavirus

Omicron, which has triggered the global alarm of a surge in infections, was first detected in southern Africa in November has prompted governments across continents to impose travel restrictions and take other measures to contain it.

"We can still manage this in a manner where the government doesn't have to invoke serious restrictions over the next few days if we all just do our basic duties of the safety measures, but also if more and more of us who are eligible ... approach their nearest vaccination sites," Phaahla said, reported Reuters.

She hoped that Omicron could be tackled without further causing too many deaths.

Top scientist Michelle Groome of South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases said there has been an "unprecedented rise" in infections over a short time due to Omicron.

The infections were also moving from the younger age cohort into older people, she said.

She said it was important paediatric beds and staff as there has been increased admissions among children under four, she said.

Omicron has been listed as a "variant of concern" by the WHO and scientists have said it will take at least four weeks to gather enough data to establish how contagious Omicron is, and the severity of the illness it causes.