Africa: Christmas amidst a Second Wave

Christmas is tomorrow, but it is not as many had anticipated. With several African countries imposing restrictive measures to contain the coronavirus, this year’s festive has taken a whole new turn.

No gatherings, no night clubs, limited church congregations, and night curfew. Nobody foresaw this at the beginning of the year. Without a doubt, this festive season is peculiar to many.

Africa’s Second wave

The continent’s second wave currently being experienced is the more reason for heightened restrictions during this festive season. The continent has so far recorded 2.5 million cases since the pandemic hit, with 59,770 fatalities.

Out of the reported cases, 10 African countries account for 70 percent of the cases. These countries are Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health authorities have registered an average of 73,000 new infections per week since the end of November, compared to October’s 30,000 weekly cases.

Ado Muhammad, a special adviser to the Group of Eight developing countries (referred to as D8), announced the second wave’s arrival. Speaking to DW, the health specialist echoed his surprise that people were returning to normalcy, yet the pandemic is still ravaging the continent.

“I am concerned about that. People are going about their business, as usual, going to weddings, events, church, and mosque. They shake hands and don’t wear masks, and there is no social distancing,” Muhammad told DW.

Restrictions

Just yesterday, Morocco implemented a night curfew that starts from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The country has completely closed restaurants in its major cities, including Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangier. Moreover, public and private gatherings and parties have also been banned.

South Africa’s health minister, Zweli Mkhize, has warned South Africans not to be complacent. South Africa is experiencing its second wave, which is very alarming. On Wednesday alone, 411 people succumbed to Covid-19.

Mkhize sighted that there might be a review of the restrictions put in place since the virus’s new strain is spreading fast. President Ramaphosa’s government has so far closed certain beaches and public parks and restricted alcohol sales.

Kenya recorded an increase in the number of infections in October. Consequently, the government extended the night curfew until January 3. Also, most schools have remained closed until 2021.

Rwanda is still experiencing an increase in the number of infections, despite bars and night clubs being closed since March.

Nigeria continues its ban on nightclubs and social gatherings, with Churches and Mosque expected to comply with social gathering protocols. Recently, the government has advised some of its staff to work from home.

Apart from the above states, other African countries also have put in place restrictions during this period. With vaccines still months away, restrictions are the only preventive measures. Experts have warned that the laxity of the measures put in place will do more harm than good.

Final Take

Going with the numbers, the pandemic is still real and is even getting worse. We all know that prevention is better than cure, yet we assume this fact. All African governments have publicized safety and preventive protocols, but we remain stubborn to adhere.

Importantly, remember that this is not the last festive season. No, there are many more to come. All that is required of you is to adhere to the safety protocols to fight this virus eating up our continent. Spend Christmas with your family at home; there is no need to be all up and about. Sanitize, social distance, wear a mask and be vigilant of the Covid-19 symptoms. Take responsibility, stay safe, and have a Merry Christmas!

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