Africa’s COVID-19 cases surpassed the 720,000 mark on Monday as the continent continues to see an upsurge in daily new infections.
According to data from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the continent has now reported 721,563 infections and 15,169 deaths.
South Africa remains the worst affected country in the continent by the health crisis, having reported the highest number of cases.
It’s 364,328 infections are more than four times the number of cases reported by Egypt, the country with the second-most infections in Africa.
South Africa has also reported the most deaths at 5,033. Egypt again comes second with 4,302.
Other than the two countries, Algeria is the only other African country that has registered more than 1,000 COVID-19-related deaths.
The latest figures come as the World Health Orgaization warned against laxity in the fight against COVID-19.
In a media briefing on Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom urged countries not to wait for a vaccine but fight the disease with the means currently at their disposal.
“With strong leadership, community engagement, and a comprehensive strategy to suppress transmission and save lives, COVID-19 can be stopped,” he said.
