This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
South Africa Surpasses 200,000 COVID-19 Cases ¶
South Africa has become the 15th worst-affected country worldwide with over 200,000 COVID-19 cases, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker, which relies on official government data. The country has seen a significant increase in cases, with 205,721 cases and 3,310 deaths reported as of July 6, 2020.
Despite imposing strict lockdown measures in late March, South Africa reported over 10,000 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, the highest daily jump on record for the country. The government in Gauteng province, home to Johannesburg, has asked the government to reimpose hard lockdown, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that there are no plans to move back into stricter lockdown.
Kenya Plans Phased Reopening ¶
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a 'phased reopening' of the country on Monday, with the resumption of international flights from August 1 and the lifting of internal travel restrictions. The move comes as pressure mounts to kickstart the country's ailing economy after nearly four months of coronavirus restrictions that have devastated key industries such as tourism.
Kenya has recorded over 8,000 cases of the virus and 164 deaths, the highest official figures in East Africa, and has seen a steep increase in numbers in recent weeks. The Democratic Republic of Congo has extended its coronavirus health emergency for 15 days, the sixth extension since March, with some lawmakers voicing concern about the effect on the economy.
Other key developments in the pandemic include:
- Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said he had undergone another test for the novel coronavirus after local media reported he had symptoms associated with the Covid-19 respiratory disease.
- China reported zero new coronavirus cases in Beijing city, with all new infections being imported cases involving travellers entering China from abroad.
- China's Sinovac Biotech is starting Phase III trials of its potential coronavirus vaccine in Brazil.
- Israel has reimposed certain restrictions after a surge in cases, including closing bars, nightclubs, gyms, and event halls.
