You are watching Africa 54, your daily news and feature magazine-style program, from the Voice of America. Host Esther Githui-Ewart and a team of correspondents zero in on the big stories making news on the continent and around the world with context and analysis.
Top Stories:
The number of worldwide cases of COVID-19 on Thursday now tops 3.2 million with over 227,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Deaths in the United States from coronavirus now exceeds 60,000 and the outbreak will soon be deadlier than any flu season since 1967, according to Reuters.
South Africa confirmed an additional 354 COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, its most new reported cases in one day, a 73-percent increase from Tuesday, according to the health department. The nation’s corona-virus cases now total over 5,300.
Guinea-Bissau’s health ministry says Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam has tested positive for coronavirus along with three members of his cabinet. The west African nation has confirmed more than 70 cases and one death.
Tunisia says it’s set to ease its COVID-19 lockdown next week, reopening parts of the food and construction sectors, while welcoming 50-percent of government workers back on the job.
The use of militaries to enforce coronavirus quarantines is causing anxiety among some African citizens. VOA’s Salem Solomon takes a look at the risks and the benefits of deploying security forces during a pandemic.
With human trials already under way, Oxford University scientists say a COVID-19 vaccine could be available much sooner than originally projected.
Friday is May 1 – International Workers’ Day – which is normally marked by demonstrations in cities around the world calling for better working conditions. But this year the lock-down in many countries means the protestors will be forced to stay at home.
A54 Business: As people continue to stay home to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, businesses, museums and other venues are trying to relieve some of their boredom by offering online exhibits, entertainment and fitness classes, free of charge. As VOA’s Julie Taboh reports, it appears to be a win-win situation.
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