Africa’s total number of the novel coronavirus cases has increased to 22,528 infections, of which 5,656 cases have recovered and discharged from hospitals, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) figures. The WHO also reported that the total number of fatalities stands at 1,127 across the continent.
At the time of writing on Monday, South Africa remains the most affected in the continent in number of infections, with over 3,158 cases, followed by Egypt with about 3,144 confirmed cases.
In terms of fatalities, however, Algeria has the highest number of fatalities across Africa with 375, followed by Egypt with 239 confirmed deaths so far. Morocco follows behind with 143 confirmed deaths.
Many countries across Africa have taken steps to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The latest of these measures is in South Africa, which announced an increase in welfare provision to help poor households suffering due to the strict nationwide lockdown.
Tunisia has extended its lockdown for an additional two weeks, until 4 May, after which Tunisian authorities will gradually ease restrictions on some economic activities. Zimbabwe has also announced the same step.
In Morocco, the government announced an additional four weeks of lockdown to be reviewed on 20 May, in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.
Africa’s first coronavirus case was recorded in Egypt on 14 February, with a total of 52 countries across the continent reporting cases since then. The main sources of Africa’s infections have included travellers returning from hotspots in Asia, Europe and the US, according to the WHO.
