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Authorities in South Africa's Western Cape province have expressed deep concern about a sharp jump in Covid-19 cases.

The virus is showing signs of a resurgence in parts of South Africa – the most badly affected country on the continent.

After a long lull, infection rates are beginning to rise in some areas, particularly along the country’s southern coastline.

Doctors in Cape Town and in Port Elizabeth are reporting a spike in hospital admissions.

One provincial leader described the increase as staggering and said the virus was spreading widely, not just in a handful of hotspots.

Concerns about a second wave are coinciding with nationwide protest action over low pay by community health workers – key figures in South Africa’s fight to contain the virus.

The country is now heading towards its main summer holiday season, a time when millions of people travel.

With the economy in deep trouble, the government is thought to be reluctant to reimpose tough lockdown restrictions.