SADC: Countries return to lockdowns amidst the Covid-19 third wave

By: Ollus Ndomu

The Coronavirus pandemic has taken a new toll on several southern African countries with medical experts calling on government leaders to tighten lockdown restrictions to avoid a further spread of the vicious third wave being propelled by the Indian and UK variants.

Across the region, countries are reinforcing stricter, lockdown regulations in effort to stem the fast spread of the virus.

Early this week, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa announced new Covid-19 preventative guidelines in addition to slashing the number of people attending public gatherings.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s government has shutdown schools for 21 days after recording the surge in infections and deaths in five consecutive days. A week ago, the country’s electoral body suspended mass political rallies citing public health concerns ahead of August 12 general elections.