African countries are starting to feel the brunt of the CoVID-19 strain as new cases pop up across the region and some people have raised concerns about the economy.
South African Minister Placed on Leave
Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave, the Africa Press Office reported.
Ndabeni-Abraham's leave will last for two months, with one month unpaid, following allegations that she violated the country's lockdown rules when she was reported to have visited a friend.
Ramaphosa was reported to have summoned Ndabeni-Abrahams on Tuesday, and expressed his disappointment over the minister's move of attending the lunch hosted by a friend.
Ndabeni-Abrahams has since apologized for her actions but the Ramaphosa reiterated that the law must be upheld. South Africa has so far registered at least 1,845 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and at least 18 deaths.
Kenya Reports Seven New Cases
In Kenya, seven new cases were registered following 305 new test results that came out in Africa. The new figure brings Kenya's total CoVID-19 cases to 179.
The news came as some human rights advocates raised concerns about Kenya's methods in implementing quarantine measures. The issue stemmed from recent deaths linked by local media to the implementation of curfew and quarantine regulations.
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) group has reiterated that despite fears of potential community-spreading events, the basic human rights of all Africans should be upheld.
Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency
On Wednesday, Ethiopia declared a state of emergency as part of the government's efforts in containing the novel coronavirus.
According to Al Jazeera, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on the entire country to unite with the government in efforts to take down the virus and prevent further infections. He added that "grave legal measures" will be carried out on people who violate the prevention measures.
More details about the state of emergency call are expected in the coming days. Ethiopia has so far registered 55 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and two deaths.
Ghana Resorts to Online Funerals amid Coronavirus Crisis
Ghana is known for its grand rituals when it comes to funerals. However, the coronavirus has left many citizens relying on online services and masses following President Nana Akufo-Addo's declaration of suspending public gatherings, CNN reported.
The tradition of holding heavily symbolic funeral rituals has stopped, with people informing attendees that only 25 people can attend their masses. Others who are expecting around 2,000 attendees have resorted to livestreamed burials and services for their deceased.
Ghana has so far registered at least 313 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and at least 6 deaths.
DR Congo Frees 1,200 Inmates
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, around 1,200 inmates were released from prisons amid fears that the CoVID-19 strain may spread across jails in the country.
According to the Anadolu Agency, Justice Minister Celestin Tunda said in a radio interview that magistrates across the DR Congo have been urged to ensure that releasing and detaining people during the coronavirus outbreak should be based on principle and exceptional cases.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has so far registered at least 45 confirmed CoVID-19 cases and 5 deaths.
Lagos Remains Nigeria's Hardest-Hit Area
On Wednesday, Nigerian minister of state for health Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora confirmed that the country has reached 254 confirmed coronavirus cases, with Lagos still the hardest-hit among all towns.
Lagos registered 130 cases, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following behind at 50 cases, and Osun in the third spot with 20. Furthermore, Mamora revealed that 44 people have since recovered in Nigeria.
So far, Nigeria has lost six people to its CoVID-19 battle.
