ABUJA, Nigeria

South Africa extended measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus Sunday as the number of cases in the country continued to rise.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation and said a nighttime curfew would be reimposed between 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. effective Monday.

“The national disaster situation announced as part of the COVID-19 measures is extended until Aug. 15,” he said.

While wearing masks has been made mandatory in all workplaces, vehicles and common closed areas, selling alcoholic beverages is also forbidden in an effort to avoid burdening hospitals with alcohol-related injuries.

Ramaphosa also called on the nation to stay indoors unless there is a compulsory situation.

Highest virus cases in Africa

With 276,242 coronavirus cases, South Africa ranks first in the continent.

A total of 4,079 people have died from the virus while 134,874 people have recovered.

The highest number of cases have been reported in the Gauteng region, while the lowest number of cases and deaths have been registered in the Northern Cape region.

*Writing by Sena Guler