Coronavirus cases in Africa surpass 1 million mark

Coronavirus cases in Africa exceeded the 1 million mark on Friday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday, as the continent recorded 14,656 new cases over the last 24 hours.

The death toll from the virus in Africa reached 22,066, while recoveries rose to 690,436.

Southern Africa has confirmed a total of 565,100 cases, of which South Africa alone took by far the greater proportion that stood at 538,200.

North Africa has 170,200 cases, West Africa 136,800, East Africa 85,600 and Central Africa 49,600.

At least 10,200 people lost their lives to the virus in Southern Africa, 7,000 in North Africa, 2,000 in West Africa, 1,900 in East Africa and 945,000 in Central Africa.

Ten countries account for 89% (735,482) of all reported COVID-19 cases in the African Region: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar & Senegal. South Africa accounts for more than half, according to WHO Africa office.

There has been a 13% increase in the number of virus cases in Africa over the past week, compared to a 18% increase recorded during the previous reporting period, it added.

Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Cameroon's capital Yaounde will be able to perform their first Friday prayer at the Tsinga Islamic Complex after four months.

Worshipers have been asked to respect social distancing and to wear masks.