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South Africa Extends Coronavirus Restrictions as Cases Climb

Anita Powell

   JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's president has extended restrictions as
   coronavirus infections affect more and more people-- including,
   notably, the U.S. ambassador to South Africa, who announced this week
   she was recovering from the virus.

   President Cyril Ramaphosa said the continued restrictions-- which
   include an extension of the nation's curfew, alcohol ban and limits on
   gatherings, plus the closure of South Africa's land borders-- are
   necessary. He also vowed that his government will do everything it
   could to get enough vaccines.
   "The pandemic in our country is now at its most devastating," he said
   in a televised address on Monday night. "The number of new infections,
   hospital admissions and deaths is higher now than it has ever been
   since the first case was recorded in our country in March 2020. Since
   New Year's Day, we have recorded nearly 190,000 new coronavirus
   infections. The country has recorded more than 4,600 COVID-19 deaths so
   far this year."

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