South Africa’s has announced the closure of its borders till February 15 to curb the spread of coronavirus.
In a televised address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the number of infections has exceeded the peak experienced in the first wave.
There have been nearly 190,000 reported infections since New Year’s Day, and there are currently more than 15,000 people in hospital with Covid-19.
The province of KwaZulu Natal has seen the most cases per head of population in recent weeks, but Mr Ramaphosa said infection numbers in Gauteng are growing exponentially and are expected to increase further as travellers return from their holidays.
He said many restrictions put in place including the ban on alcohol sales, beaches and parks as well as social gatherings will remain in place until the situation is reversed.
President Ramaphosa warned that the disregard for protocols at funerals is fast spreading the virus.
“Funerals have become a death trap for many of our people,” he said, as he urged people to stay at home.
#COVID19 | President @CyrilRamaphosa addresses the nation on Government’s response to the #coronavirus pandemic #StaySafe https://t.co/iMESyYxBA1
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) January 11, 2021
South Africa has secured 20 million doses of the Covid -19 vaccine.
Source: Africafeeds.com
