Africa: Virus cases pass 286,000, deaths near 7,700

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Coronavirus cases in Africa have reached 286,141, the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday.

According to the latest update, the death toll on the continent is now up to 7,693, while 132,412 people have recovered in 54 countries.

With 91,800, Southern Africa leads in the number of cases, followed by North Africa with 77,200, West Africa 59,500, East Africa 30,000, and Central Africa with 28,000.

At least 3,200 people have died in North Africa, 1,900 in Southern Africa, 1,100 in West Africa, 915 in East Africa, and 621 in Central Africa.

Southern Africa also has the highest number of recoveries at 49,700, followed by North Africa’s 31,700, West Africa 26,500, Central Africa 12,400, and East Arica with 12,100.

Since emerging in China last December, COVID-19 has claimed more than 460,500 lives in at least 188 countries and regions.

Of the over 8.68 million cases reported worldwide so far, almost 4.27 million people have recovered, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.