Coronavirus: a roundup of the latest developments in Africa

Millions of people across the continent have had to change their normal routines, behavioral practices, and social interactions, yet cases of covid-19 continue to rise.

As a sign of covid-19 fatigue, governments are easing intra-continental travel restrictions and contemplating the full opening of schools, industries, and movement after experiencing turbulent economic impacts from the lockdowns.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Africa exceeds 1.1 million with over 26,000 dead, according to the Africa Center for Disease Control tally. Here are some of the latest developments:

South Africa leads the covid-19 count 

The Southern Africa powerhouse nears 600K covid-19 cases, accounting for the lion’s share of the continent’s infections. The curve of confirmed cases has rapidly dropped when compared to the July peak resulting in an ease of restrictions. On Monday, the country reversed the ban on alcohol and tobacco sales. Gauteng, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape lead in cases respectively, while Bophirima has the lowest count.

19 August 2020 #COVID19 statistics in South Africa #CoronaVirusSA pic.twitter.com/6cSa7eVyEH

— Department of Health (@HealthZA) August 19, 2020

Nigeria 

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria exceeds 50,000 as per the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Lagos, FCT, and Oyo lead the case count while Kobi ranks last. The populous West African nation carries out 3000 to 5000 tests a day - 40% of its capacity to test daily. NCDC hopes to encourage more people to turn up for testing. Students across Lagos are in session for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). All learning institutions are under strict Ministry of Heath guidelines to observe high levels of hygiene and social distancing.

A breakdown of cases by state can be found via https://t.co/zQrpNeOfet#TakeResponsibility pic.twitter.com/q1nq46l3Fk

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) August 19, 2020

Kenya

Cases across the country seem to be on a decline, but it is not an indication of a trend. With close to 400,000 tests conducted, Kenya just crossed 30,000 confirmed covid-19 infections. In matters economics, artists and creatives are moving their crafts to digital platforms so as to survive the current restrictions that prevent live shows. According to the UNCTAD Creative Economy Outlook, Kenya’s exports of creative goods are valued at $40.9 million while the imports stand at $195 million. To earn a living, musicians, artists, poets, and comedians must compete for customer attention on popular platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Midundo.

Today, August 18, 2020, a total of 271 people have tested #covid19 positive from 4,019 samples tested in the last 24 hours. This brings total of positive cases in the country to 30,636. Cumulative tests stands at 398,585. pic.twitter.com/nsNF5uC2H2

— WHO Kenya (@WHOKenya) August 18, 2020

Ghana

Ghana has reported over 40,000 cases with Greater Accra Region accounting for over half of them. In an effort to ease restrictions and movement of people, Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo announced a partial reopening of tertiary institutions for the Final years and Second-year Gold-track students.

Ghana's COVID-19 UPDATE

Visit https://t.co/fIBe1RWjtG for the details #StaySafe#WearAMask #SocialDistancing pic.twitter.com/hWtpXNrS6S

— Ministry of Health, Ghana (@mohgovgh) August 17, 2020

Egypt 

Egypt will soon mandate covid-19 tests for some travelers. According to a recent cabinet statement, the results of the test should have been issued 72 hours before arrival. The order excludes travelers from Arab states or tourists who touch down at Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Marsa Matrouh, Taba, and Marsa Alam. However, they will not be permitted to travel to other parts of the country unless they show proof of a negative test from a PCR certificate.

أعلنت @mohpegypt أمس تسجيل 115 حالة إيجابية جديدة مصابة بمرض كوفيد-19، بالإضافة إلى 13 حالة وفاة، ليصبح مجمل عدد الإصابات بمصر 96590 حالة. وارتفع عدد حالات الشفاء والخروج من المستشفى ليصل إلى 60651 حالة.

— WHO Egypt (@WHOEgypt) August 18, 2020

Morrocco

Morrocco shut down entry and exit from its major cities after a spike in the virus. The recent surge prompted the EU to eject the county from its safe nation list. The number of confirmed cases is on an upward spike, prompting the government to implement stringent new measures.

Mozambique

The number of confirmed cases in Mozambique is just under 3000. Of the number, the leading count comes from Maputo, Sofala, and Niassa respectively.

Tanzania

Not much is known of the covid-19 situation in Tanzania after the government declared the country virus-free. No official figures on the virus have been released since the start of May.

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