The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to be on high alert for a possible surge in Covid-19 cases as families plan get-togethers.
Since early October, Africa has been experiencing a rise in cases, unlike the first wave of cases which was triggered by hotspots in southern Africa.
The latest increase is driven by the north African region, where temperatures are beginning to fall.
Development Diaries understands that in the 47 countries in the WHO African Region, 19 countries have reported over a 20 percent increase in new cases in the past 28 days compared with the previous four weeks.
WHO said in a statement that 17 countries are also reporting a more than 20 percent drop in the number of new cases over the past 28 days.
Large group gatherings and mobility have been identified as risk factors for increasing the spread of Covid-19 and the approaching holiday season can promote these risks, leading to super spreader events, according to the statement.
‘As we near the time of year when people get on the move to spend their holidays together, there is a bigger risk of Covid-19 transmission’, Regional Director for Africa at WHO, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said.
‘New clusters of cases can emerge in places that have so far been unaffected as people travel or gather for festivities.
‘But we can lower the risks by wearing masks, limiting the numbers of people who come together, observing physical distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene. We can celebrate yet do so safely’.
WHO urged member states to conduct risk assessments at the subnational level and identify areas of high risk.
Source: WHO
Photo source: NCDC
