Fighting virus surge, SAfrica increases restrictions

Confronted with a rapid surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, South Africa has returned to tighter restrictions on public gatherings and liquor sales, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tuesday night. The new rise in infections threatens the health systems in several parts of the country, said Ramaphosa in a nationally televised address.

President, South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa said "Our priority now is to make sure there are enough hospital beds, enough health workers, enough ventilators, and enough oxygen to give the best possible care to every person who needs it.”

 South Africa has been the country hardest hit by the pandemic in the entire continent, with a cumulative total of more than 1.7 million infections, including 57,000 deaths, accounting for nearly 40% of Africa's total confirmed cases. According to Ramaphosa, South Africa is expecting to receive 3.1 million Pfizer doses by the end of June.