The coronavirus crisis is starting to sweep Africa as more regions impose stricter measures to contain the CoVID-19 strain and prevent further infections across the continent.
South Africa Goes on Lockdown
On Monday evening, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day lockdown that will kick off Thursday as part of the efforts to control the virus' spread, CNN reported.
Ramaphosa encouraged local governments to take "immediate, swift and extraordinary action" as a means of preventing further infections among citizens, especially as South Africa has a high rate of people suffering from HIV.
While there will be economic setbacks from the lockdown, Ramaphosa acknowledged, he reiterated that there will be greater costs if the governments do not act fast.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize revealed that as of Monday, South Africa has over 400 confirmed CoVID-19 cases. The country has the highest infection toll in the entire continent.
3 Nigerians Reportedly Overdose on Chloroquine
A state official in Lagos revealed on Monday that three Nigerians overdosed on chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug being tested for potential CoVID-19 treatment.
According to health officials in Nigeria, the three patients have since been hospitalized. Officials also warned against the use of the drug following the poisoning incidents due to massive consumption.
The report came days roughly a week after U.S. President Donald Trump said during a White House briefing that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved chloroquine in the treatment of coronavirus symptoms.
The FDA outed a statement after the briefing, clarifying that it did not approve the drug for CoVID-19 use as tests are still being carried out to determine the drug's effectivity.
Kenya Reports 16 Total Cases
As Monday, Kenya confirmed that it has a total of 16 coronavirus cases.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that the latest case is a close contact of one of the eight recent CoVID-19 cases in the country. Over 600 others have been traced by health authorities as contacts of the previous cases.
As part of the country's efforts in preventing further infections, all arrivals will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Kagwe said that arrivals will be given a choice since they will be watched by security personnel and health officials.
"They are not prisoners, we just want to ensure security," Kagwe was quoted to have said.
Ghana Reports 2nd Death
Ghana's Health Ministry on Monday confirmed its second CoVID-19 death out of 27 cases confirmed so far in the country.
According to the Anadolu Agency, the remaining 25 patients in the country are receiving appropriate treatment and have been isolated. The majority of the cases are returnees from coronavirus-hit countries.
Ghana already closed its borders last week as part of the measures to prevent further infections.
Ethiopia Imposes Quarantine for All Arrivals
In Ethiopia, officials announced that all travelers entering the country will be required to undergo a two-week quarantine.
The country has designated two hotels, the Ghion, and the Skylight, for the housing of international arrivals. The said housing facilities will be available for passengers arriving at Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport.
Ethiopia has a total of 11 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and is ramping up testing following the arrival of 1.1 million test kits from Chinese tech mogul Jack Ma.
Sudan Enforces Partial Curfew
Residents all over Sudan will experience a partial curfew as the local government seeks to halt further coronavirus infections in the country following a confirmed death from the disease.
Head of the National Health Emergency Committee Siddiq Tawer said on Monday that residents will see a curfew from 8 in the evening to 6 in the morning starting Tuesday. Intercity travel using public vehicles will also be prohibited.
Sudan has a total of two confirmed CoVID-19 cases and 17 suspected cases.
