Major African countries update regarding COVID 19 active cases and lockdown status as of July 28th:-
- Confirmed cases = 789,226
- Active cases = 325,485
- Recoveries = 447,226
- Number of deaths = 16,715
Nigeria- Nigeria has not yet determined a date for the resumption of international flights, according to the Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika.
Kenya- Five major airlines are set to resume flights into and out of Kenya from 1st August. According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, who spoke on Sunday, Qatar Airways, Fly Emirates, British Airways, KLM and Air France are the airlines that have indicated their intentions to resume their flights to the country.
Morocco- Morocco extended an emergency decree until 10th August giving local authorities leeway in taking restrictive measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Royal Air Maroc in the last few days further revised planned International operation, as Morocco extends border restriction until 10th August 2020 inclusive.
Ethiopia- Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is expected to resume flights to and from Kigali on August 1, flying at least daily.
Rwanda- Rwanda announced the opening of its airspace last week, allowing all airlines to kick start operations by August 1 under minimum health safety measures set by the Ministry of Health.
South Africa- Despite the reintroduction of certain restrictions, the country remains on the third level of its five-tier COVID-19 alert system
Ghana- Further easing of several measures that were previously introduced to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Angola- The Angolan government has established quarantine areas, Luanda Province, and around the municipality of Cazengo in Cuanza Norte province. Within these areas, strict measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Mozambique- Mozambique’s state of emergency has been extended by 30 days until July 29.
Detailed updates are as below:
NIGERIA
Nigeria Railway Corporation has announced the resumption of services on its Abuja-Kaduna route, four months since it was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi said fares have been increased because trains will carry fewer passengers. The services will resume on Wednesday with social distancing enforced to prevent the spread of the virus. Nigeria has not yet determined a date for the resumption of international flights, according to the Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika. Nigeria’s airports remain closed to all international commercial flights with the exception of passenger flights which evacuate people or repatriate Nigerian citizens. Flights for essential services, such as the delivery of food supplies and items for humanitarian use, are also allowed to operate.
(Active cases: 38948)
KENYA
Five major airlines are set to resume flights into and out of Kenya from 1st August. According to Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala. Qatar Airways, Fly Emirates, British Airways, KLM and Air France are the airlines that have indicated their intentions to resume their flights to the country. British Airways also announced it would resume normal operations on August 1, with four weekly flights. Qatar Airways is also expected to operate 14 weekly flights, which are subject to regulatory approval. Fly Emirates said it would resume operations on the Kenya route on Monday with a “repatriation flight.” There are fears by passengers, however, that airlines may hike fares to cover for the losses made during the suspension of international flights. The national carrier Kenya Airways and its subsidiary Jambo Jet are among airlines that are already operating domestic flights which resumed operations a week ago.
(Active cases: 15601)
MOROCCO
Morocco extended an emergency decree until 10th August and local authorities leeway in taking restrictive measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is the national airline of Morocco and one of the largest on the African continent. Royal Air Maroc in the last few days further revised planned International operation, as Morocco extends border restriction until 10th August 2020. Due to latest extension, the one World carrier’s International service is now scheduled to resume as early as 11th August 2020.
Planned operational frequency remains unchanged for August, however certain flights may not be available for reservation. Various travel restriction continues to impact the airline’s planned operation.
(Active cases: 18264)
ETHIOPIA:
Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is expected to resume flights to and from Kigali on August 1, flying at least daily. Ethiopian Airlines resumed suspended flights on July 8, and it is gradually adding more flights. The carrier has now reached 42 destinations since last week. The airline says it has intensified cleaning and disinfection of the cabin environment at every aircraft, promising safety and hygiene during the passengers’ travel time.
RWANDA
Rwanda announced the opening of its airspace last week, allowing all airlines to kick start operations by August 1 under minimum health safety measures set by the Ministry of Health. Rwanda will resume commercial flights on August 1, four months since they flights were suspended on March 20 in a bid to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Airport operations will adhere to the guidelines issued by the health ministry and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization to ensure safety and health of passengers amid the pandemic, Ministry of Infrastructure said in an announcement on Saturday. All passengers including those in transit will be required to show proof of the negative result from a COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours before arrival, from a certified laboratory, it said.
(Active cases: 1710)
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has the fifth-largest number of COVID-19 cases in the world behind Russia, India, Brazil, and the US.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa announced recently that a nighttime curfew and a ban on the sale of alcohol will be reintroduced due to a rise of COVID-19 cases in the country. A nationwide nighttime curfew is in place from 21:00 to 04:00 (local time). President Ramaphosa said that the alcohol ban aims to alleviate the pressure on hospitals by reducing alcohol-related injuries. Despite the reintroduction of certain restrictions, the country remains on the third level of its five-tier COVID-19 alert system. Hotels and guest houses have been permitted to reopen but are subject to government regulations, while social distancing restrictions remain in place for different provinces throughout the country.
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) released a statement implying that resumption of flights by September is crucial for people in the inbound tourism industry to preserve their jobs, as during the period from September to March inbound tourism makes up 60% of its overall annual revenues. TBCSA presented a three-phase recovery strategy in June that requires 6-8 weeks of preparation before carrying out a phase 1 trial that will help select countries with permission to travel to South Africa. However, authorities believe that re-opening in or before September would be premature as the Covid-19 peak in South Africa is expected to occur in August.
(Active cases: 452529)
GHANA
On Sunday, July 26, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the further easing of several measures that were previously introduced to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. From Saturday, August 1, restrictions on the number of worshippers in churches and mosques will be lifted, and worship time will be extended to two hours. There will also be an easing of limitations on the number of passengers on public transport and domestic flights, and tourist centers and open-air drinking spots will be allowed to reopen. It remains mandatory to wear face masks in public spaces.
Ghana’s air, land, and sea borders remain closed indefinitely.
(Active cases: 38969)
ANGOLA
Local transmission of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Angola. The vast majority of cases are in the capital city of Luanda. While the number of cases is relatively low, instances of local transmission are steadily increasing.
The Angolan government has established quarantine areas: one, encompassing Luanda Province, and the second, around the municipality of Cazengo in Cuanza Norte province. Within these areas, strict measures are in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Fines may be imposed on violators.
The use of a face mask is required in all public areas, including anytime you leave your house or hotel room, and in all establishments. Face masks are not required for walking or exercising outside between the hours of 5:30a.m. to 7:30a.m. and 5p.m. to 7p.m., although groups exercising together are limited to no more than five people. Everyone is encouraged to adhere to social distancing. Health centers and hospitals are fully operational. Businesses and restaurants are limited to 50 percent capacity and can only operate between the hours of 6am and 4pm (restaurants must close their dining rooms at 4pm, although they are permitted to offer take out through 10p.m.). Public transportation is limited to 50 percent capacity and is only available until 6p.m. Museums and monuments, as well as cultural and art fairs, are also limited to 50 percent capacity. Movie theaters remain closed and religious activities have been suspended.
The Angolan Ministry of Interior has extended the validity of all work, residence, and temporary visas through August 31, 2020. Land borders remain closed for all but commercial transport, and the areas within the quarantine districts (Luanda Province and the municipality of Cazengo, in the Province of Cuanza Norte) are closed to overland personal travel or domestic passenger flights through August 9, 2020.
(Active cases: 950)
MOZAMBIQUE
The Mozambican Government announced a continuation of the Level-3 State of Emergency until July 29. Some of the measures include: suspension of issuance of official documents (e.g. visas and travel documents, vehicle registrations, drivers’ licenses, and marriage certificates); automatic extension of all DIRE and temporary visas until September 30, 2020, even if expired (according to President Nyusi’s speech on June 28); strict quarantine regime (see information below); use of face masks in all public places, on public and private communal transport, and in any gathering of people; phased reopening of schools by grade level; prohibition of cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public spaces; closure of entertainment establishments theaters, libraries, bars, pools, and gyms (museums may reopen); closure of all beaches for leisure activities with the exception of physical fitness activities; suspension of religious services and celebrations in all places of worship; reduction of workforce to 1/2 present at work place with turnover of teams every 15 days; continued business at markets from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. subject to recommendation of competent health authorities and implementation of prevention and control measures within the markets; penalization of non-compliance with State of Emergency measures under criminal law.
Mozambique’s civil aviation authority has suspended international passenger flights. The Ressano-Garcia / Lebombo post near Komatipoort is the only open land border between South Africa and Mozambique, for cargo only.
(Active cases: 1701)
TANZANIA
The Tanzanian government has not released aggregate numbers on COVID-19 cases or deaths since April 29.
Despite the opening of sectors of business and society throughout Tanzania, the risk of contracting COVID-19 through community transmission remains elevated. The Embassy has recommended that U.S. government personnel and their families exercise continued caution in day-to-day activities (e.g., limiting entry of individuals into your home) and take steps to limit potential exposure while outside the home (e.g., wearing a face mask, washing your hands frequently, observing social distancing, and avoiding crowds).
Healthcare facilities in Tanzania can become quickly overwhelmed in a healthcare crisis. Limited hospital capacity throughout Tanzania could result in life-threatening delays for emergency medical care.
The Government of Tanzania lifted the suspension on international flights to Tanzania and several airlines have scheduled international flights.
(Active cases: 509)
MALAWI
As of July 13th, Malawi has confirmed 2,430 cases and thirty-nine (39) deaths from COVID-19. The government of Malawi has implemented measures to limit the spread of the virus. Schools and universities are closed until further notice, Sporting events, festivals, religious services, and gatherings larger than 100 people have been banned, Fast food outlets, restaurants, and public eating places are closed except for take away services, Funerals shall comply with social distance restrictions and sanitary measures and be attended by a maximum number of 50 people.
(Active cases: 3709)