It has been another week of governments trying to find the balance between containing the virus and keeping their economies alive.

The total number of confirmed cases in Africa has surpassed 60,000 to a total of 60, 626. This accounts for 1.55% of the world’s total cases. Confirmed deaths have steadily increased to 2,221 accounting for 0.81% of the world’s total deaths.

Out of the 54 African countries only one country (Lesotho) has reported zero cases of the coronavirus. Number of deaths in a single country remain below 500, with the highest deaths per country reported in Egypt (514) and Algeria (494).

Let’s take a look at the data regionally.

North Africa has seen cases increase by over 5,000 in the past week to 21,536 confirmed cases. Egypt alone has 2,499 of those new cases in the past week. The country’s healthcare system which has supported 2,075 recoveries has finally reached its full capacity. The government is fighting the urge for a complete shutdown to save the economy and is still maintaining its 9pm to 6am curfew.

Southern African cases have surpassed 10,000 this week to a total of 10,095 confirmed cases, whilst deaths have risen to 202. South Africa with 9,420 confirmed cases is the highest on the continent. Botswana (23) and Namibia (16) maintained the same number of confirmed cases from the week before. The region recorded 65 new deaths in the last week, 63 from South Africa and eSwatini and Zambia recorded a death each.

West Africa has had a had a particularly challenging week with cases increasing by over 6,000 to a total of 17, 837. In Benin cases more than tripled in the last week rising to 284 compared to 90 last week. In Ghana cases doubled in the last week increasing to 4,263 compared to 2,169 last week.

Six countries in East Africa have reported 0 deaths. Eritrea (39 confirmed cases, 0 deaths) and Seychelles (11 confirmed cases, 0 deaths) have managed to maintain their numbers since last week. Sudan has had a spike in infections, with cases doubling to 1,164 compared to 592 last week. This makes Sudan the second most affected country in the region after Djibouti (1,189 confirmed cases).

Central Africa remains the least affected region with 5,363 confirmed cases and 209 deaths. Burundi (19 confirmed cases, 1 death) has maintained its numbers from the week before. Cameroon (2,335 confirmed cases, 110 deaths) is the most affected country in the region, accounting for 44% of the region’s cases and 53% of the regions deaths.

Source- WHO COVID-19 Situation Reports 105-111

Source- https://egyptianstreets.com/2020/05/11/covid-19-cases-reach-9400-in-egypt-4-million-worldwide/