The novel coronavirus is steadily spreading across Africa and the continent has now breached the 700 000 mark in infections, rising to 724 746.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) situation update issued last week, there has been a 27% rise in the number of infections in Africa in the past week.

South Africa remains the epicentre of the outbreak in the region. It now has the fifth highest infection count globally, with a cumulative 364 328 cases.

Ten countries account for 88% (440 672) of all reported Covid-19 cases, reported All Africa. They are South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Senegal, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

According to the report, between July 8 and 14, five countries observed the highest percentage increase in infections: Lesotho 181% (from 91 to 256 cases), Namibia 60% (from 539 to 864 cases), Madagascar 54% (from 3 472 to 5 343 cases), Burundi 41% (from 191 to 269 cases) and Angola 40% (from 386 to 541 cases).

Lesotho and Namibia are among the top five countries recording the highest percentage increases for the past three reporting periods, while Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania have not officially submitted reports indicating any confirmed case.

The report further indicates that from July 8 to 14, 1 231 new Covid-19-related deaths (17% increase) were registered in 32 countries, with 844 (69%) of the deaths recorded in South Africa

Namibia has reported its first coronavirus deaths, totalling two cases. 

Health workers have also been significantly affected by Covid-19, with 9 451 (1.9%) in 40 countries contracting the virus since the beginning of the outbreak. 

South Africa has the highest number of infected health workers at 4 821 (51%), followed by Nigeria (987), Cameroon (593), Ghana (421), Guinea-Bissau (250), Malawi (204), Niger (184), Ivory Coast (179), Sierra Leone (163), Democratic Republic of Congo (158), Senegal (147) and Mozambique (146).

To date, a total of 383 316 people in Africa have recovered from the coronavirus.