South Africa Toughens Restrictions To Combat Delta Variant

SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has re-imposed restrictions for two weeks to combat a surge in the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant.

The worst-hit country on the African continent “is facing a massive resurgence of infection”, the president said in a televised address to the nation on Sunday.

“Our health facilities are stretched to the limit … ICU beds are in short supply,” he said as he placed the country on alert level four, just one level below a full lockdown.

He banned all gatherings, except for funerals where numbers will be capped at 50, and also ordered a ban on the sale of alcohol. Eateries and restaurants can no longer serve sit-down meals, and will only be allowed to sell food for take-away or delivery. A nighttime curfew has been lengthened by an hour.

‘Devastating wave’

Authorities say the peak of the third wave – fuelled by the Delta