Regional COVID-19 Updates – 26 October
Header Image: “Minister Fikile Mbalula inspects Rea-Vaya buses and stations as part of Coronavirus Covid-19 safety measures” by GovernmentZA is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
General:
The northern hemisphere is facing a crucial moment in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said Friday, with too many countries witnessing an exponential increase in coronavirus cases.
Source: https://ewn.co.za/2020/10/23/too-many-countries-in-exponential-virus-surge-who
The BBC asks why Africa’s Covid-19 cases have been relatively low.
Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172x2wflz8103n
New rapid coronavirus testing, soon to be available throughout Africa, could be a “game changer” for the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.
Source: https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/millions-new-rapid-covid-antigen-test-kits-headed-africa
South Africa:
In recent days, health minister Zweli Mkhize has warned about a marked increase in new Covid-19 infections as a result of declining adherence to measures such as mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand washing. The United States and many western European countries are experiencing a dramatic resurgence, often called a ‘second wave’, of the coronavirus.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala warns of another hard lockdown if people continue to flout social distancing regulations.
Source: https://www.enca.com/news/zikalala-second-hard-lockdown-cards
The Minister of Health this week sounded the alarm that the number of Covid cases was on the rise again. Relaxed attitudes are likely to be behind some of them.
Source: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-10-24-covid-19-is-back-caution-required/
Zimbabwe:
Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) donates $USD300K worth COVID-19 laboratory supplies to Zimbabwe
Source: https://www.afro.who.int/news/korea-international-cooperation-agency-koica-donates-usd300k-worth-covid-19-laboratory
Botswana:
Botswana’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic is in line with the country’s human rights-based approach to development, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.
Source: https://allafrica.com/stories/202010220775.html
Malawi:
UNICEF Malawi COVID-19 Situation Report: 8 – 21 October 2020
Mozambique:
Mozambican authorities have opened a probe into allegations that some people are selling fake COVID-19 certificates to enable travelers to cross the country’s border with South Africa, APA learnt here on Wednesday.
Source: https://apanews.net/en/news/mozambique-probes-fake-covid-19-medical-certificate-racket
The World Bank approved today a $100 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) in support of the Government of Mozambique’s COVID-19 (coronavirus) response program.