Major African countries update regarding COVID 19 active cases and lockdown status as of May 29th :-
- Confirmed cases = 124,733
- Number of deaths = 3,700
- Recoveries = 51,059
- Active cases = 69,974
South Africa- The restrictions will be eased from level four to level three of a five-level system from June 1, places of worship will be allowed to welcome up to 50 worshippers.
Angola- Angola introduced a state of calamity from May 26, until further notice. Existing lockdown measures in Luanda will remain in place until at least June 9.
Nigeria– Nigeria is currently fourth most impacted on the continent. It comes behind, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
Kenya– Kenya Airways have confirmed that, subject to sufficient demand, they will operate a specially arranged direct flight from Nairobi to London on June 4.
Ethiopia- The batch of 78 Indian national have been sent to India by special chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Mumbai.
Mozambique- The Mozambican health ministry confirmed the country’s first death connected to the coronavirus.
Detailed updates are as below:
SOUTH AFRICA
South African authorities will allow places of worship to reopen from Monday, June 1, as the country further relaxes lockdown measures introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that, as COVID-19 restrictions will be eased from level four to level three of a five-level system from Monday, places of worship will be allowed to welcome up to 50 worshippers. He also added that any religious rituals which may expose worshippers to the virus should be avoided and, when these rituals are essential, strict sanitization should be maintained.
With the relaxation of lockdown restrictions on June 1, the current nighttime curfew, which is in place between 20:00 to 05:00 (local time), will also be lifted and schools will reopen gradually with voluntary attendance. Retail, wholesale, and spaza shops will be allowed to reopen, and the sale of alcohol will be permitted for home consumption only. Additionally, limitations on outdoor exercise will be lifted and all construction work will be allowed to resume. However, social gatherings, inter-provincial travel, and the sale of tobacco products remain prohibited, and the wearing of face masks in public is compulsory. Ramaphosa warned that spikes of COVID-19 infections in hotspots, such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, could lead to a return to stricter lockdown measures.
As of Sunday, May 24, authorities have charged around 230,000 people with offenses related to the contravention of lockdown measures, which were initially introduced on Thursday, March 26.
Private vehicles are limited to three occupants and taxis must operate below 70 percent capacity. Restaurants are only allowed to provide delivery services. The agricultural sector is permitted to resume full operations, and mining has partially resumed. Businesses resuming operations must comply with certain health regulations, such as set workforce capacities, providing hand sanitizers, and ensuring social distance is maintained.
International travel is suspended indefinitely, citizens are only allowed to leave their homes for essential needs, and social distancing orders will need to be respected. Gyms, hairdressers, and other businesses remain closed.
(Active cases: 25937)
ANGOLA
Following the end of the country’s state of emergency at midnight on Monday, May 25, the Angolan government has introduced a state of calamity from Tuesday, May 26, until further notice. Existing quarantine measures in Luanda will remain in place until at least June 9. Citizens are urged to stay at home where possible, but some commercial activities will be allowed to resume, under certain health conditions. Permitted capacities in workplaces will gradually increase in incremental phases between May 26 and July 27.
As of May 26, restaurants will be allowed to reopen at lunchtime between Monday and Saturday and until 22:30 from June 8. Establishments must ensure diners are spaced two meters (6 ft) apart, tables are limited to four people, and the restaurant is under 50 percent capacity. Markets and street vendors can operate between 06:00 and 15:00(local time), with buyers and sellers required to wear face masks and maintain social distance. Informal markets with a large concentration of people are prohibited. Hotels may reopen but temperature checks will be mandatory at the entrance and stringent cleaning policies must be adhered to. Nightlife establishments remain closed until further regulations are approved.
Recreational, cultural, and leisure activities will resume in three phases. From June 8, museums, theaters, monuments, exhibitions, fairs, and art galleries will be able to operate. Libraries will reopen on July 13, and cinemas from July 31. In all cases rooms will be limited to 50 percent capacity, face masks will be mandatory, and social distance must be maintained.
All commercial flights to and from Angola have been suspended indefinitely since March 20 and Angola’s borders remain closed as of Thursday, May 28. However, under the new state of calamity Angolan nationals and foreign residents can now return, subject to medical checks. (Active cases: 71)
NIGERIA
Cases in Nigeria breached the 8,000 mark on Monday evening when the NCDC announced 229 new cases. The latest tally of 8,068 cases means that Nigeria is currently fourth most impacted on the continent. It comes behind, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. The country has consistently recorded 100 plus new cases for the last over one month. Lagos continues to be the most impacted state whiles Kano is marching towards the 1,000 mark. Kogi State became the last but one state to record infections. The NCDC reported two cases from there on Wednesday evening. It means Cross River State remains the sole uninfected state as of May 27.
At the daily briefing, Minister of State at the Education Ministry also touched on reopening of schools. “Until we can guarantee safety of children from COVID-19, our schools cannot resume. Minister of state at the Health Ministry also said the ministry was developing sector specific advisories for the reopening of various sectors of the economy. A daily nationwide curfew from 20:00 to 06:00 (local time) remains in force. A ban on domestic flights is in effect until Sunday, June 7.
(Active cases: 8733)
KENYA
Kenya Airways have confirmed that, subject to sufficient demand, they will operate a specially arranged direct flight from Nairobi to London on Thursday, June 4.There is a current cessation of movement in and out of the Eastleigh neighborhood in Nairobi and Old Town in Mombasa until June 6. Markets and restaurants will also be closed, as well as a prohibition on all gatherings in these areas until June 6. There is currently a mandatory, country-wide curfew imposed between 7pm and 5am until June 6. Those violating the curfew will be arrested and put in mandatory quarantine for 14 days at their own expense.
The Government of Kenya suspended all international flights in and out of Kenya. On May 11th, the GoK extended the ban on commercial flights for an additional 30 days, except for fights that are arriving to evacuate foreign nationals.
(Active cases: 1471)
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia is reluctant to initiate a strict lockdown, which the World Health Organization recommends helping to slow down the spread of the virus. All operations that are now allowed per law must be conducted within strict limits of social distancing and observance of other COVID-19 prevention protocols. The state was also the first to get a testing center. Ethiopia is currently under a five-month state of emergency declared earlier this month to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The batch of 78 Indian national have been sent to India by special chartered Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Mumbai. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights due to this pandemic.
(Active cases: 731)
MOZAMBIQUE
The Mozambican health ministry confirmed the country’s first death connected to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Monday, May 25. The deceased was a 13-year-old boy from the city of Nampula (Nampula province).
On Tuesday, May 12, Mozambique’s Civil Aviation Authority extended the current suspension of all international flights until Sunday, May 31, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. National Carrier LAM Mozambique Airlines continues to operate domestic flights and cargo flights are still permitted. Only Mozambican citizens or foreign residents can return to the country and will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. The issuance of all official documents, including visas and travel documents, has been suspended since March 23. Residence permits (DIRE) and temporary visas will be granted automatic suspensions until Tuesday, June 30. All borders are closed, except for the Ressano-Garcia post with South Africa in Komatipoort but for cargo only.
President Felipe Nyusi has also extended the state of emergency until Saturday, May 30, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of emergency was earlier declared on Monday, March 30, along with a stage 3 level of emergency (second highest level). Authorities have urged residents to stay home, except for essential reasons. The use of face masks is mandatory on public and private communal transport and at gatherings. Schools remain closed; cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public spaces remain prohibited. Entertainment establishments, including museums, theaters, libraries, bars, and gyms, are shut as a precautionary measure. Beaches are closed for leisure activities except for fishing. Authorities have also suspended religious services and celebrations at all places of worship. Markets will operate from 06:00 to 17:00 (local time), subject to the approval of health authorities. Individuals who do not comply with the measures may be punished under criminal law.
(Active cases: 227)
TANZANIA
On Monday, May 18, Tanzanian authorities lifted restrictions on international commercial flights and systematic quarantine measures imposed on passengers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). International commercial flights have been suspended into and out of Tanzanian airports since Sunday, April 12, with only cargo flights exempt. Now all scheduled and unscheduled flights are free to arrive and depart. The mandatory 14-day quarantine period for those arriving into the country has been removed and only those who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be placed in quarantine unless they have proof of a negative test.
Social distancing measures remain in place in Tanzania, including a ban on public gatherings, the closure of schools, and the suspension of sports competitions. Most bars, restaurants, and hotels have closed voluntarily, although many restaurants are offering takeaway services.
(Active cases: 509)
ZAMBIA
Local media portals have reported that Zambia’s health minister has tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya becomes the second cabinet member to be infected. The border town with Tanzania continues to record more cases of the virus. It remains the most impacted town with a tally that far outstrips the capital Lusaka. The partial lockdown is in place since May 8 with confinement measures, allowing certain businesses to reopen. Cinemas, restaurants, and gyms will be allowed to resume operations, and authorities are considering reopening hotels and lodges. However, bars remain closed and it is mandatory to wear face masks in public places. Public gatherings of more than 50 people are banned, and authorities have advised citizens to avoid all nonessential foreign travel.
(Active cases: 1057)
MALAWI
Malawi was one of the last countries in the world to announce its first case of Covid-19. But ever since, it has been embroiled in a constitutional row about a lockdown the government wants to impose to tackle the pandemic. The High Court took the unprecedented step of blocking the government’s plans who wanted to impose another 21 days lockdown after May 9th until more had been done to help those worst affected. Now, President Peter Mutharika has announced an emergency cash transfer program for the poorest people in what is one of the world’s poorest countries. The government will target 172,000 households, who will receive a monthly payment equivalent to almost $50 (£40) through mobile money transfer from Friday. The Malawi Department of Civil Aviation announced that all international flights to and from Malawi will be suspended until further notice.
(Active cases: 101)
GHANA
A month after Ghana lifted the coronavirus lockdown, the case count has surpassed 6000 mark. The tallies showed that four regions had recorded increases: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western and Central Regions. The president announced that, “despite its disruption to everyday life, it must not hinder lives and economy of the country. The virus is here but we must find a way to live with it with self-discipline and protocols. Now, essential, and non-essential businesses are now allowed to open while wearing of masks.
On Friday, May 1, President Addo Dankw Akufo-Addo announced the extension of the closure of the country’s international borders through Sunday, May 31, due to ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The measure also affects international commercial flights, which will not operate over this period. The government stated that the extension was necessary to prevent the import of further cases of COVID-19. Citizens returning from abroad and foreign nationals with Ghanaian residence permits will be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine period if they show symptoms of the virus.
All vehicles undertaking intra city travel must also reduce their number of passengers to observe social-distancing measures. Schools and universities remain closed while gatherings of more than 25 people are prohibited. Additionally, it is mandatory for all individuals to wear face masks in public in the Greater Accra Region and in Cape Coast Metropolis.
(Active cases: 7303)
LIBYA
The internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli announced that the ongoing curfew will remain in place for at least another ten days as of Thursday, May 28, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The curfew hours will not be modified, running from 18:00 to 06:00 (local time). Further, unconfirmed reports suggest that Sabha is going on a full curfew for seven days and movement in and out will be prohibited after a cluster of 20 cases was reported in the area.
Border crossings and ports of entry within GNA-controlled territory were closed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj on March 16. However, Libyan nationals who were stranded abroad could return in May. All mosques, schools, restaurants, wedding halls, parks, and shops also remain closed as a precaution. (Active cases: 99)
SOMALIA
On Monday, April 13, General Abdi Hassan Mohamed Hajar, Somali commander of police, announced that a nighttime curfew would be implemented in Mogadishu for an indefinite period from Wednesday, April 15 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The nightly curfew will be in effect between 20:00 and 05:00 (local time). Also, all international flights to and from Somalia are indefinitely suspended.
(Active cases: 1731)
UGANDA
Kampala lockdown is scheduled to be lifted on 3rd June. Uganda banned the use of public and private transport in late March to curb the spread of COVID-19. With the ban on cars, the country has seen a boom in demand for bicycles. Uganda’s March lockdown to curb the virus included a ban on motor vehicles — both public and private — for nonessential personnel. Uganda has suspended all its international flight until further notice.
(Active cases: 281)
MOROCCO
Morocco is to extend its national lockdown to contain the spread of the new coronavirus until June 10, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani said on Monday, as the rise of hotspots within families and factories complicates efforts to curb infections people are only allowed to go out to buy food or medicine, and to staff some key jobs. Schools, mosques, non-essential shops, and all entertainment venues have been closed. Morocco has made wearing masks mandatory, with those who fail to do so at risk of being fined or jailed. Morocco suspended day all international passenger flights to and from its airports as a protective measure against the spread of coronavirus.
(Active cases: 7601)
RWANDA
Rwanda has loosened restrictions after 45 days of coronavirus lockdown. Markets will open for essential vendors not exceeding 50% of registered traders. Hotels and restaurants will open and close by 7 p.m., but meetings in public spaces and mass gatherings are prohibited Under the new guidelines, the government announced a curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Borders will also remain closed except for cargo as well as returning Rwandans and legal citizens, who will be subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The new guidelines restrict funeral gatherings to not more than 30 people, while public and private transport between different provinces and the city of Kigali is not permitted. Schools will remain closed until September as well as places of worship, bars and recreation centers.
(Active cases: 346)
SENEGAL
Coronavirus restrictions will be eased in Senegal, President Macky Sall said late on Monday, with night-time curfews shortened and mosques reopened. He said the COVID-19 disease would continue to circulate for at least another three months even under the best-case scenario. Under the new rules, curfews will run from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, shaving two hours off the current restrictions. Mosques and churches may open subject to certain conditions and consultation with Government authorities. Markets and businesses, which have only been allowed to open a few days a week during the lockdown, will now only need to be closed for a day’s cleaning each week. Restrictions imposed on public transport will also be eased, though Schooling will resume on June 2 only for students in the examination classes
(Active cases: 3523)