Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


South Africa Sees 2 Good Breaks in Coronavirus Fight

Anita Powell

   JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's president delivered a rare shot of good
   news to people in the continent's coronavirus hotspot: the nation's
   second wave appears to be abating, and the government will soon launch
   a vaccination campaign for health workers.

   The Monday address, delivered live on national television, was a
   departure from President Cyril Ramaphosa's usual tone. For nearly a
   year, Ramaphosa has the been the bearer of grim news, talking of
   deaths, rising caseloads and burdened hospitals, of lockdowns and
   restrictions and of endless reminders, like a chiding father, reminding
   people to wear your mask, wash your hands.

   South Africa is the continent's viral hotspot, with 1.4 million
   confirmed cases and more than 44,000 COVID-19 deaths since the virus
   arrived in March. The nation experienced the start of a second wave of
   the virus, featuring a new variant that is significantly more
   contagious, in late December.

.