Africa's confirmed COVID-19 cases has breached the 1.2 million mark, but hopes are high as the number of people recovering from the virus has been gradually on the rise.
South Africa Still Hardest Hit
As the continent logged over 1.2 million confirmed coronavirus cases on Monday, South Africa remains the hardest-hit country, with at least 627,041 COVID-19 infections and 14,149 deaths.
The country is experiencing a steady rise in recovered patients, but the risk of potential bigger outbreaks is still present, health experts said.
Furthermore, the tourism industry, which is among the top drivers of South Africa's economy, has been heavily battered by the pandemic, prompting action from the local government.
South Africa Leans on Domestic Tourism
As many countries around the world have yet to reopen international travels, South Africa's tourism industry has decided to rely on domestic tourism to propel the sector.
The industry has been suffering immensely from the pandemic, with many lives lost and wages slashed. A government survey revealed that in May, around 67 percent of tourism business could not meet their costs.
As was the case in Vietnam and New Zealand, South Africa is now turning its efforts to local tourism, allowing for travel between provinces and cities across the country.
It remains to be seen whether the strategy will work or if it can keep the South African tourism industry afloat until global restrictions are eased completely.
Algeria to Pursue Further Easing
Up in the north, officials in Algeria on Monday agreed to push through with plans to ease the strict COVID-19 lockdown, which put a stop to many business operations.
Among the sectors reopening on Tuesday were museums, libraries, cultural activities, and nursery facilities. For the latter, operations will only be allowed at a 50 percent capacity limit.
There are very particular regulations for reopening nurseries as a means of protecting children and family members. The use of air conditioners will be prohibited and families will also not be allowed to have access to children while they are in the facility.
As of Monday, Algeria has reported a total of 44,494 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,510 deaths.
Concern in Egypt Over Mosque Reopening
Over the weekend, churches and mosques reopened in Cairo, marking the first time in five months that religious activities have been allowed by the government.
However, there have been concerns about religious activities potentially becoming the center of new COVID-19 outbreaks in the country, as was the case in South Korea.
The government, along with health experts, have called on the public to take extra precautions when visiting mosques and churches. Some mosques have also required the use of face masks.
As of Monday, Egypt has logged a total of 98,939 confirmed coronavirus cases and 5,421 deaths.
Kenyan Health Ministry Suspected Of Graft
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday mandated the health ministry to release all information regarding purchases made by the ministry since the coronavirus pandemic started.
The order came following allegations that government officials may have taken millions of dollars supposedly used for critical medical supplies that could have helped the country in its COVID-19 battle.
In particular, state-run Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) is also at the center of the allegations. Kenyatta has since called on the country's anti-corruption commission to quickly investigate the accusations of graft directed at the agency.
Kenya has logged a total of 34,201 confirmed coronavirus cases and 577 deaths.
