In the absence of a mass vaccination rollout, experts have advised that tighter lockdown restrictions be implemented to avoid a vicious Covid-19 third wave propelled by new variants. The Free State health department announced last week that the province was already in a third wave. The Gauteng provincial government said it was likely to hit the province in the next few weeks. The recent confirmation that two variants of concern - the B.1.617.2 and the B.1.1.7 - were circulating locally had made experts worry about a potentially devastating third wave, especially with low vaccination rates.

Source: News 24 May 11, 2021 03:22 UTC