Coronavirus is a disease that is threatening the sacred life of human beings. Doctors all over the world are going beyond their limitations to take care of the coronavirus patients. The disease has affected most of the continents of the world. Africa is one of them, it has recorded thousands of fatalities, recoveries, and coronavirus cases. Several governments of different countries have rolled out measures to help curb the virus.
South Africa, one of the countries in Africa, has recorded the most cases of coronavirus disease. The country received its first case during March. President Cyril Ramaphosa rolled out tough measures for the country immediately. He ordered a 21-day lockdown and banned the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
The purpose of banning alcohol was to create room for COVID-19 patients since the country experiences alcoholism issues. However, despite the hard times, there is some hope of normalcy and reopening of the country’s economy. South Africa has recorded over 27000 cases of the coronavirus, over 14000 recoveries, and more than 500 fatalities.
Coronavirus Disease Affects Economy And Churches Reopening
As the cases of coronavirus were rising in the country, the president closed some of the public gathering social institutions. The churches are one of the social institutions not operating. The purpose of banning public gatherings was to help stop the spread of the coronavirus disease. Recently, president Cyril Ramaphosa was saying that the economy will be reopening as of 1st June. Some of the political party leaders opposed the government’s approach to easing the restrictive measures.
Julius Malema, a leader of Economic Freedom Fighter, is one of the leaders opposing the reopening of the churches and economy. The party strongly disagrees with the South African decision of reopening the economy due to the still-rising cases. Furthermore, opening the country’s economy again will expose the citizens further. It will also undermine the effectiveness of health workers trying to reduce cases.
United States Gives SA Ventilators
COVID-19 patients need breathing machines called ventilators to deliver oxygen to their lungs. The United States is striving to donate as many ventilators as possible to needy African countries. Furthermore, the US promised to deliver over 900 ventilators to South Africa just as it was in Nigeria a few days ago. Coronavirus has caused the shipment of ventilators to the country to delay. The US said in a statement that it is working hard to produce and donate thousands of ventilators to Africa and other countries.
Some of the African countries to benefit from the US donations are Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya. President Donald Trump sat with the leaders of those countries and discussed to some length about the donation. The cost of producing and donating ventilators to South Africa is quite high. Financial estimates are that it will cost about 20 million dollars inclusive of other services plans.
Coronavirus Disease In Warfare With Health System
As doctors are trying their best to save lives, they are in deep risk of contracting the virus. Health workers are in dire need of personal protective equipment and testing kits to carry on with their duties. However, due to financial challenges, the provision of PPEs and testing kit is becoming hard. According to reports early this month, Zweli Mkhize, health minister of SA, updated people concerning the ministry. The minister said that some health workers are dead due to COVID-19 and others have tested positive.
As Africa is still at war with coronavirus, it is wise for African leaders to come together and fight the virus. This unity is very important since through it the health system of Africa may get stronger than it is.
More:
- South Africa is Loosing it: The Covid-19 Impact on South Africa Economy
- South Africa ‘s Coronavirus Lockdown: Doubts Creep In
