South Africa 1 Million Coronavirus Cases

Xabiso Mkhabela/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images South Africa topped 1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Local health authorities have linked a recent surge in cases with a new variant of the novel coronavirus, which is believed to be more infectious.

The surge of coronavirus cases is putting a tough burden on local hospitals and prompted countries around the world to impose travel restrictions on the country.

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Local health authorities said between 80 to 90% of new coronavirus cases are from the new variant, Reuters reported.