South Africa has moved to level four restrictions for 14 days as of this Monday. In a communication to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned of the spread and devastation caused by the Delta variant.

Armed with the Delta variant, known to be more contagious and potentially more lethal than the original Coronavirus, as well as responsible for the new wave of infections in the world, neighboring South Africa seeks to prevent more people from being affected.

On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa explained that the average number of daily infections more than doubled, hospitalizations increased, and deaths caused by COVID-19 also increased by almost 50%.

According to the statesman, the Delta variant has spread like wildfire in India and alarmingly so. Evidence indicates that the Delta variant is rapidly replacing the Beta variant, which until recently was dominant in South Africa.

"We are concerned about the rapid spread of this variant. First, because it is more transmissible than the previously circulating viruses, which means it is easier to detect through personal contact.

The Delta variant has already been detected in five of our provinces, namely Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape," Ramaphosa said.

Due to the high number of COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, travel in and out of the province for leisure purposes is prohibited.

This does not include work, business or commercial travel, airport transit or freight transport.

To relieve the pressure on hospitals, the sale of alcohol is banned for indoor and outdoor consumption for 14 days.

All public and private schools will close for the winter vacations starting Wednesday.