Africa likely to experience COVID-19 surge, Africa CDC warns

Despite the impressive reduction in cases of COVID-19 in Africa recently, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the continent is likely to experience a surge in the coming weeks, following the expected complacency during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities.

"As we celebrate, let's do it with safety at the back of our minds that COVID-19 is still here with us. Last year, we issued a similar warning and in January we saw a surge in infections," Africa CDC Director John Nkengasong said.

Nkengasong urged Africans to observe the health measures of wearing face masks and observing social distancing when in public places.

He also urged people to go for their shots, noting the continent will only be able to control the pandemic through vaccination.

To date, Africa has reported over 8.6 million COVID-19 infections and more than 222,000 deaths.

Between Nov 14 and 21, Africa reported 24,474 new cases and 973 new deaths, respectively translating to a 11 and 15 percent decrease from the previous week.

Northern Africa reported the highest number of new cases at 51 percent, followed by southern Africa with 21 percent.

Egypt reported the highest number of new cases during the week at 6,436, followed by South Africa with 3,923 new cases. Libya, Ethiopia and Sudan also reported high numbers of new cases.

Africa CDC data indicates 27 countries are reporting a case fatality rate higher than the global average of 2 percent. Of these, Egypt, Somalia and Sudan are reporting a case fatality rate higher than 5 percent.

Nkengasong said 34 countries are currently experiencing a more severe third wave, 11 countries are experiencing a fourth wave and Mauritius is experiencing a fifth wave.

The cumulative COVID-19 test positivity rate among African countries stands at 10.6 percent apart from Uganda, which is reporting a 12 percent positivity rate.

So far, 6.7 percent of Africa's population has been fully vaccinated. Morocco has administered the highest number of vaccines at 47 million, with 67.2 of its population fully vaccinated.