South African health officials, who have found a new mutated coronavirus, are calling on the public to take action, saying that the current second wave of infection is spreading faster than the first.
Infection with the new coronavirus in South Africa has subsided after peaking in July, but the number of infected people has increased again since late last month, and the number of infected people per day increased on the 23rd of this month. With more than 14,000 people, local media reports that it is the most ever.
In South Africa, health officials revealed last week that a new mutated coronavirus was found, suggesting that the mutated virus is behind the current second wave of infection.
Health Minister Mukize said the second wave was "extremely faster than the first wave," and said it would exceed the peak of the first wave within the next few days.
South Africa, located in the Southern Hemisphere, is facing the summer holiday season ahead of Christmas and New Year, giving more opportunities to go out and eat.
Health Minister Mukize said, "There is a high need for infection control even during the holiday season, and we cannot neglect it," and called on the public to take thorough measures.
Mutant new coronaviruses have also been found in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, but the WHO (World Health Organization) has indicated that the virus found in South Africa is different from that in the United Kingdom.