By: Kaya 959 News
Africa reported a record number of COVID-19 deaths last week, with South Africa and Tunisia accounting for over 55% of the deaths.
The World Health Organisation said that between the end of July and 1 August, the continent marked the highest seven-day toll since the start of the pandemic in Africa.
Death trends are on the rise in 15 countries, and 12 have reported higher case fatality rates than the African average of 2.5% over the last month. With more than 172,000 deaths, Africa accounts for over 4% of the 4.2-million COVID-19-related deaths recorded globally to date.
New Vaccines Introduction Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, Dr Phionah Atuhebwe, said it is a sad day for Africa.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost friends and loved ones. Deaths have peaked week-on-week on the continent and after a slight dip, COVID-19 cases are surging again. The latest data tells us that Africa is still on the crest of the third wave, still recording more cases than in any earlier peak, and that we cannot take anything for granted,” Atuhebwe said.
READ: Gauteng reports decrease in COVID-19 cases
Coronavirus cases rose by 19% to over 278,000 in the week ending 1 August. South Africa accounted for 29% of the cases, which remain close to Africa’s record high of 286,000 weekly cases recorded in early July.
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa’s COVID-19 cases have increased to 2,546,762 with 6,590 new cases confirmed on Tuesday.
The majority of new cases today are from the Western Cape (30%), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (23%). Gauteng Province accounted for 19%; Eastern Cape accounted for 11%; Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West each accounted for 4% respectively; Northern Cape and Limpopo Province each accounted for 2% respectively of new cases.
As per the National Department of Health, a further 189 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 75,201 to date.



