Lockdown in Africa countries has taken a different approach as each country tries to impose restrictions that are reasonable to its citizens. The fight to stop the spread of coronavirus is getting intense day by day. Africa countries, despite having a weak health care system, the coronavirus cases are not much as compared to the situation in the west. This is a good indication of the effort of every African government and citizens in response to the pandemic. But all is not good yet, and until then, as a citizen, you have a responsibility to play. Keep the social distancing, sanitize, and at all times, follow the health guidelines on the virus.
The lockdown measures have, by far, worked perfectly in containing the spread of the virus. This is an action that has terrible consequences on poor citizens. But some governments are left with no option but to call off the restrictions basing facts upon economic recovery. And the financial status of the low earning citizens who are in horrible situations now and can’t afford food to eat.
Which countries are lifting lockdown restrictions?
Some African countries, like Ghana, are now lifting the lockdown measures drawing concerns on the poor citizens. And citing that the ease is necessary to have things back healthy, and there are other measures put in place to control the spread of the virus.
Ghana placed lockdown restrictions on its major cities, which now is back to normal. But the rules of no social events and school closure is still in place.
Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo announced that the country had increased testing and improved treatment facilities. And lifting the restrictions adequately calculated for.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has also eased restrictions, for example, in some parts of its capital, Kinshasa –which was the country coronavirus epicenter.
On the contrary, some countries, like Tanzania, did not implement any restrictions in the first place. Until in the mid-March, when the country recorded its first case and announcing the closure of education centers. And up to April 11, that social gathering and international flights were suspended.
While some countries are taking action to ease their lockdowns, the WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus says that it is not the end of the pandemic. It is instead a risk measure that can expose the citizens to the virus. And therefore, the countries need to take critical steps to ensure the rules are strictly in place. Or else the cases will shoot to more significant numbers that can overwhelm the health officers.
Which Countries have kept the tight restrictions in place?
Many African countries are in strict lockdowns to ensure the minimal spread of the virus.
The South African government announced that it would gradually ease the restrictions from April 30. The country is currently under strict lockdown measures with limited movement of critical workers. Schools remaining closed, limited hospital and prison visits, and public gatherings banned.
Nigeria has put tough lockdown measures its major cities of Lagos and Abuja. The land borders have remained closed and banned all international flights around late March.
Zimbabwe imposed a total nationwide lockdown for 21 days to stop the spread of the virus. The restrictions have been eased, but stringent measures are still in place.
Kenya has extended its partial lockdown for another 21 days and maintaining the overnight curfew in the country.
The lockdown results in Africa Countries
According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The body that manages the pandemic responses in the continent says. The lockdown measures have significantly played a significant role in containing the spread of the virus.
“Without the lockdown, we would have seen a more explosive outbreak,”
says director John Nkengasong.
He adds that it’s not just the lockdown alone; there are measures that are taken by health officers to make sure that the spread is minimal at all costs.
“You intensify your testing, your isolation, and your contact tracing so that when you unlock the system at least, you have created a huge impact on the virus spread.”
Summary
While lockdown measures are proving the best option the governments can take to control the spread of the virus, the responsibility lies in the citizens. You have a role to play to contain the virus. Follow the government restrictions, keep off social gatherings, wash your hands, sanitize, and STAY HOME. Your cooperation is critical in keeping yourself safe and your family!
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