In South Africa, the number of infections has increased by more than 50% in 24 hours . 9,757 new cases were recorded by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, according to official figures published on Thursday.
More than a quarter of those tested came back positive , representing the highest rate recorded in months. 64 new deaths were also recorded.
Since the end of April, the country has entered a new wave of the pandemic , warned the Center for Epidemic Innovation and Response (CERI). This surge is believed to be driven by the two sub-variants of Omicron, BA.4 and BA.5 , according to the World Health Organization (WHO) , but their virulence remains to be determined.
The government continues to encourage vaccination, in addition to implementing preventative measures. Nationwide, less than 45% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.
