coronavirus in Africa

Malawi closes schools to limit coronavirus spread

Malawi is observing a period of national mourning following the deaths of two senior cabinet ministers from Covid-19.

Expertise in epidemic control, a young population and a possible effect of pre-existing immunity were cited as possible factors.

For months health experts warned that living conditions in poor, urban communities across Africa will contribute to rapid spread of Covid-19.

The country is recognised by the African Union as its 55th member state, although Morocco claims it is part of its territory.

With 47 countries in Africa confirming positive cases of coronavirus, seven nations are yet to record a single COVID-19 case.

Makamba was diagnosed with coronavirus on Saturday but his condition deteriorated rapidly after he was taken to an isolation centre in Harare.

Some 60 cases are of people who came from abroad and most cases, 29, are in the capital Tunis, where 11 coronavirus patients are in hospital.