Three months into the year 2020 and the world is grappling with a historic pandemic that has taken close to ten thousand lives and is threatening to take even more.
The COVID-19 outbreak is threatening to grind the world to a halt, having already caused massive suspensions of various global activities. From the aviation industry to sports, the disease has forced many governments around the world to take drastic measures, most of which focus on minimizing human contact.
Experts warn that the situation could take months to sort.
As of Friday 20 March 2020, close to 210,000 COVID-19 cases had been confirmed globally, with Africa accounting for a little over 760 cases.
While the virus was first reported in China, the epicenter of the outbreak is now in Europe according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
As the world continues to fight the virus, a number of celebrities have announced that they tested positive and urged people to take keener measures to avoid getting infected.
Aurlus Mabele
Congolese music star Aurélien Miatsonama A.K.A Aurlus Mabele is one of Africa’s biggest names to have contacted COVID-19.
The “King of Soukous”, who was also suffering from a stroke, died in Paris, France, on Thursday aged 67. The shocking news of Mabele’s death was announced by his daughter Liza Monet on her social media account.
Mabele is known for hits such as Liste Rouge, Embargo among many others.
Manu Dibango
Emmanuel N’Djoké Dibango was admitted to a French hospital on Wednesday suffering from COVID-19.
Reports indicate that the 86-year-old Afro-jazz Cameroonian is recuperating well and should recover well from the disease.
Manu Dibango is well known for the 1972 hit “Soul Makossa.”
In 2009 the Cameroonian accused Michael Jackson of borrowing one of his hooks for two songs on his legendary “Thriller” album. The matter was settled out of court.
Mwana FA
Tanzanian rapper Hamis Mwinjuma A.K.A. Mwana FA tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week after recently returning to the East African country from South Africa.
The singer took to social media to reveal that he has been in self-isolation for the past few days.
Still in Tanzania’s entertainment scene, Sallam SK, the manager of Bongo star Diamond Platnumz’ also tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.
Sallam had recently returned to Tanzania from Europe where he was said to be organizing his boss’ European Tour.
Prince Albert II
Prince Albert II, the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. The palace announced the development on Thursday, but noted that the ruler’s health “is not worrying at all.”
Kevin Durant
Kevin Wayne Durant tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. The 31-year-old Brooklyn Nets star is among four members of the team who were confirmed to have tested positive for the disease. All are currently isolated under the care of team physicians.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta was the first person op test positive for COVID-19 in the English football scene. Announcement of the Arsenal manager’s test result prompted the English FA to suspend the country’s top leagues in a bid to protect people in the game.
Arsenal has since confirmed that the 37-year-old is feeling well and should recover from the disease with ease.
The London club has since suspended training activities at its Colney grounds for both the mens and womens teams.
Blaise Matuidi, Daniele Rugani
Juventus FC teammates Blaise Matuidi and Daniele Rugani tested positive for COVID-19 soon after the Italian football authorities announced a suspension of the Serie A. Italy is the world’s worst hit country, having recorded more than 3,400 deaths. Players from other Seri A sides Sampdoria and Fiorentina have also tested positive for the virus.
The country has since taken various measures in efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba announced in a Twitter video on Monday that he had tested positive for COVID-19. The news got movie lovers around the globe by shock, many of whom took to social media to wish him a quick recovery.
The 47-year-old in a second video on Tuesday called for calm amid the spread of the virus.
He said that he was tested when he wasn’t displaying any symptoms, adding that he was notified last Friday that he had been in contact with someone who had tested positive.
Tom Hanks
Star American actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, are currently in Australia where they have been recovering after testing positive for the coronavirus last week. The two are in self-isolation after being discharged from a Queensland hospital following almost a week’s stay.
