Coronavirus pandemic: South Africa, Africa’s most hit nation takes drastic measures to contain spread

The coronavirus after weeks of rapid spread has finally reached the African continent.

Though it’s rate of spreading is not as fast as in more advanced countries, the virus still poses a threat and has seen different nations carrying out measures to stop its spread.

The most hit nation of all 25 affected in Africa, is South Africa said to have registered about 61 cases of the virus already.

It has since joined the likes of Kenya, Mauritania and Senegal to impose travel restrictions and the closure of schools as a measure against the virus.

Declaring a state of emergency, South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa said all schools will be closed for the next 30 days, in addition to prohibiting any public gathering of over 100 people

While the decline in international trade and tourism has already negatively affected the country’s economy, the head of state is bent on ensuring the lives of his citizens comes first.

“This is a grave emergency and given the scale and speed of its spread, no country is immune,” he said while addressing the nation.

The number of COVID-19 cases recorded he added are expected to increase in the days ahead

Since the outbreak in Wuhan, China weeks ago, over 156,000 people have been infected with close to 6,000 dead.

While for most people, the virus causes just mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, for adults and people with existing health problems it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
In total, nearly 350 people have been diagnosed with the virus across Africa. Seven people have died while 42 have recovered, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

Most of the cases involve people arriving from Europe and North America.

MMI