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South Africa Facing COVID Surge
Voice of America
South Africa is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections. Health officials reported 15,000 new cases Sunday and 122 deaths.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said Sunday night the Delta variant of the coronavirus is the likely culprit behind the outbreak. New restrictions due to the explosion of cases include a ban on all public gatherings except funerals, which will be limited to 50 people. Liquor sales will also be prohibited and an extended nightly curfew will go into effect. Gauteng province had 66% of the new infections, officials said. Authorities fear the other provinces with soon experience the uptick in cases.![](/newspic/picid-6252001-20250218193238.jpg)
Workers clean pavilion seats on the eve of the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and New Zealand at National Stadium in Karachi on Feb. 18, 2025. Pakistan's Babar Azam attends a practice session at National Stadium in Karachi on Feb. 16, 2025, ahead of his team's Champions Trophy cricket match against New Zealand. A Pakistani police commando stands guard outside the National Stadium in Karachi on Feb. 17, 2025. The International Cricket Council Champions Trophy begins on Feb. 19. Workers install a screen at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the International Cricket Council Champions Trophy matches in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Feb. 17, 2025.
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