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The National Health Department reported an estimated 135 000 excess deaths.
As of early February, the department confirmed 46 473 Covid-19 related deaths.
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Reports say a lower estimate of around 114 000 deaths was also provided.
This would put SouthAfricaas one of the worst-hit countries in the world.
The variant can reportedly reinfect people who previously recovered from Covid-19.
The South African Covid-19 death toll may be higher than revealed, according to a recent report. Image: MICHELE SPATARI/AFPSource: Getty Images
Preliminary research revealed the chance of reinfection is between 25% and 60%.
According to scientists, the variant is highly transmissible.
Research suggests the variant emerged around early November and spread quickly, causing many reinfections.
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Source: Briefly News
Reeshni ChettyReeshni Chetty is a senior current affairs reporter.
Reeshni has a passion for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
