South Africa amps up restrictions against Delta variant
South Africa is overwhelmed by the rise of the highly contagious new Delta coronavirus variant infections, pushing President Cyril Ramaphosa to place the country on alert level four, just one level below a total lockdown.
In a televised address to the nation, Ramaphosa renewed lockdown restrictions to take the burden off the healthcare system, stating that health facilities are now stretched to the limit, and ICU beds are in short supply.
“We are in the grip of a devastating wave that by all indications seems like it will be worse than those that preceded it,” Ramaphosa said, estimating that this third wave will exceed infections from earlier waves as South Africa struggles to quickly roll out vaccinations.
Under alert level four, all gatherings are banned, except for funerals which will be capped at 50, and restaurants will only be allowed to sell food for take-away or delivery.
