According to research released on Thursday, Africa experienced a 30% increase in coronavirus infections in its second wave last year, but implemented fewer public health measures than in the first. Researchers conclude that non-stringent public health interventions like distancing and timely lockdowns led to the second wave’s higher death tolls.
The study examined COVID-19 case, death, recovery, and test data collected between Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve 2020 in all 55 African trade unionist states. It also looked at health-control initiatives including school closures and travel restrictions, using publicly accessible data.
By the end of 2020, the continent had recorded nearly 2.8 million COVID-19 incidents, accounting for 3% of the global total, as well as just over 65,000 deaths. During the primary wave, there were 18,273 new cases every day. During the second wave, the number increased by 30% to 27,790.
Source: Medical Journals (Africa)