South Africa's 2nd COVID-19 wave driven by a new variant: Minister

CGTN

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South Africa's Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize says there is a new variant of COVID-19 in the country. /VCG

South Africa's Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize says there is a new variant of COVID-19 in the country.

He said the second wave is driven by this new coronavirus variant. Mkhize made the announcement during a virtual briefing on Friday.

"The evidence that has been collected therefore strongly suggests that the current second wave that we are experiencing is also, therefore, being driven by this new variant," he said.

Thenew variant emerged in Nelson Mandela Bay and then spread to the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal.

Scientists have detected this variant in nearly 200 genomes collected in October and November.

(With input from agencies)