Equatorial Guinea has reported its first case of COVID-19, the health ministry said in a statement, bringing the number of African countries directly affected by coronavirus to 26.
The 42-year-old woman flew back to the capital Malabo from Spain on March 13, the ministry said in a statement that the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared with Reuters on Sunday.
News of the virus’ spread in Africa in recent weeks has raised concerns among health specialists over whether the continent’s often dilapidated health infrastructure will be able to cope.
Congo Republic also announced its first case on Saturday.
Africa’s porous borders will make some countries susceptible despite efforts by many to suspend flights, ban public gatherings and increase sanitation measures.
Some, like Somalia, are fighting insurgencies while others, such as South Sudan, have high levels of malnutrition, malaria and other diseases that make populations vulnerable to infection.
Meanwhile, Kenya has announced that schooling has been suspended with effect from Monday to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
This follows the confirmation of two more cases of the deadly coronavirus – bringing to three the total number of confirmed cases in the East African nation.
Kenya confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on Friday – a 27 year old woman who travelled from the US through London.
“President Kenyatta has also announced the suspension of public gatherings whether funerals, weddings, church services. He’s also said that weddings and funerals should be limited to just close family members. They are also asking that most of those who are working to consider working from home and President Kenyatta announcing that there will be encouraging Kenyans to go cashless where they use mobile money transfer services.”
