South Africa struggles to contain second Covid wave with new strain

Variant similar to that in UK appears to be causing faster spread than during first wave

South Africa is struggling to contain a second wave of Covid-19 infections which appears to be driven by a new and more infectious variant of the disease, similar to that in the UK.

Scientists and officials have warned the country’s 56 million people that the new variant, currently termed 501.V2, carries a heavier viral load and appears to be more prevalent among the young.