16 June

South Africa has tightened coronavirus restrictions after facing a fresh surge in infections.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his public address on Tuesday that a third wave is underway and must be contained.

Ramaphosa said the situation is especially serious in a province that includes the largest city of Johannesburg.

He said the number of new infections there is likely to surpass the peak of the second wave in a matter of days, and that private hospitals are at near capacity.

The president announced the closing of restaurants by 9 p.m. and tougher limits on public gatherings.

Alcohol sales will be restricted to prevent liquor-fueled violence that could further strain the medical system.

Ramaphosa sought to tame public criticism over the sluggish vaccination rollout, saying the country has been affected by the global vaccine shortages.

Medical workers and people aged 60 or older are now subject to the country's inoculation drive.

South Africa saw infections spike in January and last July. The country's cumulative tally of infections is the largest in Africa at over 1.75 million, accounting for more than 30 percent of the continent's total.

NHK