Coronavirus Africa news summary: 11 June
Coronavirus live Africa: latest Covid-19 news - Thursday 11 June
Africa Covid-19 update: 07:00 WAT on Friday 12 June (08:00 CEST)
According to the latest figures published by Johns Hopkins University, 7,514,599 cases have been detected worldwide, with 421,458 deaths and 3,540,696 people now recovered.
Nigeria: 14,554 cases / 387 deaths
South Africa: 58,568 cases / 1,284 deaths
Ghana: 10,358 cases / 48 deaths
Ten countries seeing 80% of cases
The big question across Africa, just like in every other part of the globe, is how many infected people is testing actually picking up?
How to avoid the coronavirus
This, from the FT, is a very useful guide to what we know, and don't, about avoiding catching Covid-19.
In short, your danger level goes up the closer you are to people, the longer you spend time with them and the more confined the space you are in with them is.
Indoor dining at restaurants, the FT notes, can be notably risky.
Money still flowing
The apparent disconnect between the markets and the on-the-ground reality during the coronavirus pandemic continues...
Recycle plastic and provide PPE
An absolute win-win. And not only that but some of those making the shields are homeless youths who are getting an opportunity. Win-win-win.
Ghana beyond aid
"Today, we are happy to announce that most PPEs procured in this country are procured from companies supported from the EXIM Bank
"Ghana Beyond Aid is not a rhetoric. We need to make sure it works"
A detailed thread
If you are looking for some more depth to your reading about the pandemic in Africa, this from the Social Science Research Council may be of interest.
WHO concerns for South Africa
The World Health Organisation has warned of an ‘accelerating’ Covid-19 pandemic in Africa.
A City of Tshwane Health official looks on as she conducts a screening exercise on a taxi operator before testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus at the Bloed Street Mall in Pretoria Central Business District, on June 11, 2020. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)
SA bids to bring back mining migrant workers
As South Africa eases its nationwide coronavirus lockdown, Bloomberg reports, skilled migrant workers from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Botswana are set to return to the South African mining industry. They make up about 10% of its workforce, the report adds.
Nigerian Senate passes revised budget
Nigeria's Senate, the upper chamber of parliament, passed a revised 10.8 trillion naira ($29.92 billion) budget on Thursday.
The coronavirus pandemic and a sharp fall in global oil prompted the government to alter its budget.
The revised budget, now bigger than the 10.59 trillion naira level previously approved, must be sent back to the president to pass into law after he has agreed to any changes. (Reuters)
Guinea president dismisses claims over ill health
The 82-year-old president of Guinea, Alpha Condé, has rebuffed claims that he is "gravely ill" and has been receiving treatment in hospital, reportedly telling a radio interview he has been hosting fewer visitors and hasn't been making as many public appearances because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"I assure the Guinean people that I am as fit as a fiddle and I am sure I will bury many people who wish me dead," AFP reported Condé as saying.
WHO says African can expect "steady increase" in coronavirus cases
Africa will have a "steady increase" in Covid-19 cases until a vaccine is developed and strong public health measures are needed in current "hotspots" in South Africa, Algeria and Cameroon, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
"Until such time as we have access to an effective vaccine, I'm afraid we'll probably have to live with a steady increase in the region, with some hotspots having to be managed in a number of countries, as is happening now in South Africa, Algeria, Cameroon for example, which require very strong public health measures, social distancing measures to take place," Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Africa regional director, told a Geneva briefing. (Reuters)
Covid-19 hits Africa's safari industry hard
Reuters reports that nearly 93% of safari tour operators in Africa's main wildlife destinations have suffered a drop in business of at least 75% as a result of the coronavirus crisis, torpedoing an industry that is worth around $12.4 billion a year.
Burundi constitutional court "studying the power vacancy"
A spokesperson for Burundi’s government has told the BBC that the country’s constitutional court is still considering the question of who should succeed Pierre Nkurunziza, who died of an illness suspected to be Covid-19 on Monday.
The court is “studying the power vacancy” and “will take a few days”, Prosper Ntahorwamiye said.
In the photo, a Burundian official bows before signing the book of condolences at the state house as the nation mourns the death of Nkurunziza, 55.
(Photo by Tchandrou NITANGA / AFP)
Coronavirus: the complete guide to the Covid-19 pandemic
Coronavirus: the complete guide to the Covid-19 pandemic
All the information you need to understand the coronavirus and ways to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic:
Coronavirus Africa live updates: welcome
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, which has now registered over 7.3 million cases worldwide, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
We'll endeavour to keep you abreast of the latest developments and statistics as they emerge throughout Thursday.