The new Omicron variant of the coronavirus results in mild disease, without prominent syndromes. However, this might change, said Angelique Coetzee, the chairwoman of the South African Medical Association.

"Omicron patients are mostly unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. But we do see some vaccinated people with mild disease. There will be some patients who will need hospitalisation. But not a lot. But that might change, going forward," she said.