Major African countries update regarding COVID 19 active cases and lockdown status as of June 5th:-
- Confirmed cases = 158,030
- Number of deaths = 4,505
- Recoveries = 67,491
- Active cases = 86,034
Highlights this week
Vande Bharat Mission: Stranded Indians start returning from Africa:
Preparations are in full swing for the Phase III of repatriating Indians from six African countries; Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius. Right now, the Phase II is in progress and will end on June 13, and in this Air India has so far operated 103 flights. Government of India has begun the process of formal registration to enable Indian nationals to return to India on genuine, compelling grounds, at their own cost.
South Africa- Air India is planning a repatriation flight from Johannesburg to Delhi and Mumbai on June 18, subject to approval from the government or South Africa.
Papua New Guinea- Papua New Guinea’s parliament has voted to extend the state of emergency in place for two further weeks through June 16.
Mozambique- The Mozambican Government announced a continuation of the Level-3 State of Emergency until June 30.
Ghana- With effect from Friday 5th June, Ghana will begin the implementation of gradual easing of restrictions.
Nigeria- Nigeria’s aviation authority has announced plans to reopen five airports across the country for domestic flights only as restrictions are eased. The airports will be reopened on 21 June. Government of India has begun the process of formal registration to enable Indian nationals to return to India on genuine, compelling grounds, at their own cost.
Senegal- On May 29, the Government of Senegal extended the current State of Emergency through July 2. The Government of Senegal extended the suspension of all international air travel (with limited exceptions) through June 30, 2020.
Uganda- Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Monday relaxed restrictions on several non-essential businesses amid ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.
Kenya- Kenyan High Commission in New Delhi indicated up to 300 Kenyans had registered for the repatriation flight offered by the Indian government as it comes to rescue her nationals stuck in Kenya.
Detailed updates are as below:
SOUTH AFRICA
After two months of enduring one of the most stringent lockdowns of any country, there have been signs of restlessness. As the government added greater detail to the regulations, when the country moved from level 5 to level 3, the credibility of restrictions has been stretched. During the 14-day period, the newly instituted level 3 regulations, which reopened a large part of the economy and allowed the sale of alcohol, will remain in force. But the judgment by court means that it will not be possible for the government to revert to the old level 4 regulations without a substantial rewrite. This requires the government to redo the work that it has done in preparing, and then promulgating, the regulations.
South Africa has reopened from Monday, June 1, as President announced that restrictions will be eased from level four to level three of a five-level system from Monday, places of worship allows up to 50 worshippers. With the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, the current nighttime curfew is also be lifted and schools have reopened gradually with voluntary attendance. Retail, wholesale, and spaza shops can reopen, and the sale of alcohol is permitted for home consumption. Additionally, limitations on outdoor exercise is lifted and all construction work is also 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. Private vehicles are limited to three occupants and taxis 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. Indian Nationals who have been stranded in South Africa will have opportunity to fly back home as India announced that as part of the Vande Bharat Mission’s Phase 3 Air India is planning a flight from Johannesburg to Delhi and Mumbai on June 18, subject to approval from the government or South Africa.
(Active cases: 40792)
GHANA
Ghana’s case load passed the 8,000 mark on last day of May 2020 as president Akufo-Addo addressed the nation lifting conditionally a raft of restrictions.
Schools are to open in mid-June, religious places can reopen with strict conditions and the observance of health protocols. Social gatherings are to be allowed under certain conditions.
The address, the tenth by the president, also spelled out measures that government was putting in place to curb the spread of the virus. “Consensus from stakeholder consultation recommend a phased approach to easing anti Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.
With effect from Friday 5th June, Ghana will begin the implementation of gradual easing of restrictions. Final year university students to report to school on 15th June 2020, Faith-based organizations to start communal worship, effective Friday, June 5, amid social distancing and hygiene protocols, all schools, both private and public remain closed. Only final year students access those facilities. Each student, teacher and non-teaching staff will be provided with reusable face mask by the Ministry of Education prior to reopening for final year students, Weddings with not more than 100 guests can be organized, Public political activities, except for rallies, to resume with less than 100 people, amid observation of social distancing and hygiene protocols.
(Active cases: 8885)
NIGERIA
Nigeria’s aviation authority has announced plans to reopen five airports across the country for domestic flights only as restrictions are eased. The airports will be reopened on 21 June. The five are located in the capital Abuja, the commercial hub Lagos, the southern city of Port Harcourt, the northern Kano state and south-eastern Imo state. Musa Nuhu, the head of the aviation authority, said other airports “will be gradually added to the network after a review and assessment”. “The closure of Nigerian airports to international flights will continue until date of the resumption is announced,” he said in a statement.
Flights repatriating Nigerians from abroad and humanitarian flights are allowed to operate, but under strict protocols. Government of India has begun the process of formal registration to enable Indian nationals to return to India on genuine, compelling grounds, at their own cost.
On Monday, June 1, the Nigerian government announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions from Tuesday, June 2. From Tuesday, places of worship will be permitted to reopen if those attending worship wear face masks and observe social distancing. President Muhammadu Buhari also approved the lifting of lockdown measures in Kano state as of Monday. A nationwide overnight curfew remains in place but will now occur between 22:00 and 04:00 (local time). Businesses such as bars, gyms, clubs, and spas are still closed.
The Katagum, Giade, and Zaki local government areas (Bauchi state) remain under lockdown until Friday, June 22. Authorities have called on security personnel to oversee the lockdown, and will reportedly enhance contact tracing, quarantine infected individuals, decontaminate areas, and carry out mass testing of residents.
(Active cases: 11.516)
SENEGAL
The Government of Senegal extended the current State of Emergency through July 2, 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. Schools will remain closed until further notice. On May 30, the Government of Senegal extended the suspension of all international air travel (with limited exceptions) through June 30, 2020. Land borders are closed. Delta Airlines will operate a repatriation flight from Dakar (DSS) to New York (JFK) on June 12, 2020. This is a special commercial repatriation flight for U.S. citizens and residents.
(Active cases: 3932)
UGANDA
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Monday relaxed restrictions on several non-essential businesses amid ongoing COVID-19 lockdown. Addressing the nation from the state house, Museveni praised his country for “successfully” limiting the spread of the disease. The lockdown has been in place for the last 45 days. “Since food and essential goods shops operate, there is need to let wholesale dealers to operate,” said Museveni. Hardware shops, garages, metal works, woodworks, insurance providers and about 30 lawyers should operate, he said. Uganda has tested 3,845 people so far and only 89 have been found positive, at least 33 of whom are foreigners. 55 others have recovered from the disease. The president said the country does not have any coronavirus deaths. Uganda has suspended all its international flight until further notice.
(Active cases: 507)
KENYA
Kenya continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic with cases steadily rising each day. Government have locked down a handful of counties including the capital Nairobi and imposed a night-time curfew as part of containment efforts. President Uhuru Kenyatta has tasked relevant ministries to work on easing of lockdowns imposed to curb spread of the virus. Speaking during celebrations for Madaraka (Freedom) Day, the president said he would issue more guidelines in the coming days. “I have directed the Ministry of Education to fast-track and finalize the ongoing consultations with the stakeholders that will provide an appropriate calendar for gradual resumption of education in the country. The Government of Kenya suspended all international flights in and out of Kenya. Kenyan High Commission in New Delhi indicated up to 300 Kenyans had registered for the repatriation flight offered by the Indian government as it comes to rescue her nationals stuck in Kenya.
(Active cases: 2093)
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: 86)
MOZAMBIQUE
The Mozambican Government announced a continuation of the Level-3 State of Emergency until June 30. Some of the measures include use of face masks in all public places, on public and private communal transport, and in any gathering of people, continued closure of all schools, prohibition of cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public spaces, closure of entertainment establishments, including museums, theaters, libraries, bars, pools, and gyms, 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 1/3 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.
Mozambique’s civil aviation authority has suspended international passenger flights until further notice.
(Active cases: 352)
TANZANIA
Tanzanian president John Magufuli insists there will be no lockdown in Tanzania, following the outbreak of the coronavirus. Magufuli has instead told Tanzanian nationals to go about their work, while observing the guidelines in place to stop the spread of the virus. He says he will consider the resumption of the Tanzanian football league in the near future. Since May 18, Tanzanian authorities lifted restrictions on international commercial flights and systematic quarantine measures are imposed on passengers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 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)
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: 393)
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: 209)
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: 2204)
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia’s confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 1,486 after 142 new COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed on Wednesday, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health said. This is so far the highest daily increase in the Horn of Africa country. The Ethiopian government has instituted a wide range of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. In April, the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives announced a five-month state of emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights due to this pandemic.
(Active cases: 1486)
RWANDA
Rwanda says it will announce new restrictions on containing the coronavirus Tuesday, a stark reversal of the country’s plan days ago to ease restrictions, including motor vehicle travel throughout the country. Rwanda’s latest move is linked to the east African country’s first recorded death from the coronavirus and a surge in cases over the weekend. Public transport in Rusizi and Rubavu districts remains closed. Borders remain closed. Rwanda also decided to continue restrictions on motor vehicle travel between provinces and the City of Kigali in an effort to protect the public from the spread of the virus.
(Active cases: 384)
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)
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: 7910)