That's the advice from health professionals and scientists after the country identified its first case of a coronavirus infection caused by the new, highly transmissible XBB.1.5 variant. 

The variant was discovered in gene sequencing carried out by researchers at the Stellenbosch University.

It's been dubbed the most transmissible sub-variant detected in the pandemic so far.

The National Health Department has been alerted and is in discussions with scientists to gather more information.

In the meantime @HealthZA is appealing to everyone to #vaccinate, get boosters, wear your masks, keep the distance, avoid overcrowded places and wash your hands #COVID19

— Department of Health (@HealthZA) January 7, 2023

The department says it's appealing to South Africans to vaccinate, get their boosters, and observe non-pharmaceutical interventions.

eNCA