Coronavirus

Authorities in Rwanda have announced new measures including the suspension of flights to and from southern African countries in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. All those attending gatherings like weddings and funerals must be fully vaccinated, the government says. Following the government directives on travel, the …

Zambian authorities have announced that they have taken decisions to prevent all citizens who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus pandemic from accessing administrative buildings. All civil servants should be able to show a proof of vaccination before being admitted to work, although this will be done in consultation …

The South African health minister Joe Phaahla has expressed his disappointment at the decision of some countries to suspend all flights from the country as a new variant of the coronavirus has been detected. Mr Phaahla on Friday says the introduction of travel restrictions by a number of countries against …

The World Health Organization (WHO) is due to hold a special meeting on Friday to consider the significance of a rapidly spreading new coronavirus variant discovered in South Africa. Experts in Geneva will decide whether the B.1.1.529 variant should be designated a variant of concern. A senior WHO official said …

British authorities have suspended all flights from South Africa and five other countries in the region in response to the discovery of a highly transmissible new coronavirus variant. From midday GMT on Friday, direct flights from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini will be suspended until further notice. …

Scientists in South Africa have detected a new COVID-19 variant and are working to understand its potential implications, they said on Thursday. The variant called B.1.1.529 has a “very unusual constellation” of mutations, which are concerning because they could help it evade the body’s immune response and make it more …

Health officials in Kenya and Rwanda have announced that adolescents are now eligible to receive Pfizer’s anti-Covid vaccines as the two East African countries launch vaccination campaigns. Rwanda will be vaccinating children from the age of 12 and above from Tuesday while Kenya is allowing those from 15 years. The …

The European Investment Bank and the Rwandan Development Bank have launched an initiative to back new investments by companies affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The new targeted financing scheme will include support companies in sectors most impacted by the trade, economic and health challenges triggered by COVID-19 and unlock investment …

The coronavirus pandemic continues wreaking havoc in South Africa as the cases of contamination are on the rise , health authorities have announced. The country has recorded 1,886 new virus cases since Saturday and 22 deaths from coronavirus. Health Minister Joe Phaahla has urged more people to get vaccinated. “We …

The government of Kenya has said it intends to introduce a directive next month to prevent citizens who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 from receiving government services. Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said unvaccinated people would be banned from public transport, local airlines and train services. Kenyans will also require …