South Africa ramps up vaccine drive as continent marks ‘most dire pandemic week’

A patient receives a Johnson & Johnson vaccine against Covid-19 in Hammanskraal, South Africa (Alet Pretorius/AP)

New coronavirus infections in South Africa have risen to record levels in recent days, part of a rapid rise across the continent.

To fight the new wave, South Africa has reimposed several restrictions, including shutting restaurants and bars and limiting alcohol sales – and its vaccination drive is finding its feet after several stumbles.