South Africa shuts land borders to stem spread of mutant COVID-19 variant

The government of South Africa has moved to shut its land borders in a bid to stem the spread of the mutant COVID-19 variant which has been recorded across the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who stated that land borders will be closed to most travellers until 15 February, 2021.

The President who issued the order in a televised address said that the pandemic in South Africa is currently at its most devastating, with the number of infections recorded thus far exceeding the peak figures experienced in the first wave.

Ramaphosa also warned during the televised address that events such as funerals have continued to play a big part as a super-spreader of the deadly virus.

READ ALSO: No sign South Africa COVID-19 variant can resist vaccine –WHO

“Funerals have become a death trap for many of our people,” he said, as he urged people to stay at home.

“The vaccine programme that South Africa plans to undertake will be the most ambitious logistical project in the country’s history.

“20 million doses of the vaccine have already been secured, for delivery in the coming months, with negotiations ongoing with a number of different manufacturers,” Ramaphosa stated.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now