South Africa has become the first country on the continent to register more than one million Covid-19 cases.
This comes just days after authorities confirmed that a new, faster-spreading, coronavirus variant had been detected.
Some hospitals and medical centres have reported a huge rise in admissions, putting a heavy strain on resources.
The latest milestone was announced on Sunday by South Africa’s Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize. The country has now confirmed 1,004,413 Covid-19 infections and 26,735 deaths since the outbreak began in March.
A new coronavirus variant – known as 501.V2 – is believed to be driving the surge in infections. It was identified by a network of South African scientists in the Eastern Cape Province and then rapidly spread to other parts of the country.
Meanwhile president Cyril Ramaphosa has imposed a level 3 lockdown to curb the spread of covid-19.
Key highlights of the lockdown include:
• All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days, except for funerals and other limited exceptions as detailed in the regulations, such as restaurants, museums, gyms and casinos
• Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people
• Every business must determine the maximum number of staff and customers permitted at any one time based on social-distancing guidelines and may not exceed that limit
• Nationwide curfew extended from 9pm until 6pm
• Every South African is legally compelled to wear a mask in a public place
• Those who fail to wear masks could face a fine or imprisonment
• No alcohol will be sold from retail outlets or for on-site consumption at restaurants and bars
• Distribution and transportation will be prohibited with exceptions that will be explained by the minister
• Night clubs and businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor will not be allowed to operate
• Non-essential establishments (including shops, restaurants, bars and all cultural venues) must close at 8pm
• All beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, public parks and public swimming pools in hotspot areas will be closed to the public with effect from 29 December 2020
• National and provincial parks and other parks where access control measures and entry limitations are already in place may remain open to the public.
