Cricket South Africa (CSA) have decided to take some initiatives to ensure the safety of Indian players and support staff during the much-awaited Test and ODI series, starting December 26.

Amid concerns over the new COVID variant Omicron, CSA have come up with thorough plans to make sure the series doesn't get called-off midway.

The Indian contingent travelled to Johannesburg from Mumbai in a chartered flight last week. The players and support staff are staying at the African Pride Irene Country Lodge.

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According to a News24 report, CSA have said that the Indian squad members will have no contact with the public whenever they travel from their hotel to the grounds for training. They will reportedly take a chartered plane to Cape Town for the third Test, due to start on January 11.

Earlier this week, CSA announced that the upcoming Test and ODI series between South Africa and India will be played behind closed doors due to the Omicron scare.

Furthermore, CSA have worked with the South African government to ensure that the Virat Kohli-led side focuses on cricket without having to feel anxious about the COVID situation.

As per the report, the South African board has made arrangements to ensure hospital beds for the touring party and no-obligation exit in case the COVID situation worsens in the country over the course of the month-long tour.

Notably, South Africa's home ODI series against Netherlands was suspended last month while the CSA has also cancelled domestic fixtures owing to growing COVID cases.

After the conclusion of the Test series on January 15, India will play three ODIs against South Africa from January 19 to January 23.

(Inputs from News24)