Xabiso Mkhabela/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images South Africa topped 1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University. Local health authorities have linked a recent surge in cases with a new variant of the novel coronavirus, which is believed to be more infectious. The surge of coronavirus cases is putting a tough burden on local hospitals and prompted countries around the world to impose travel restrictions on the country. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Local health authorities said between 80 to 90% of new coronavirus cases are from the new variant, Reuters reported.