Coronavirus Watch

Global Statistics

The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide has surpassed 22.4 million. Recoveries registered are now more than 15, 18 globally and the death toll is over 787, 000 cases.

Covid-19 cases are declining across the United States as 30, 704 cases were recorded yesterday to bring the total number of cases to 5,686,678 and at least 172,418 people have died from the virus.

India continues to record the highest number of cases; 69,196 cases were recorded and the number of positive cases is now at 2,835,822.The country also recorded the highest daily rate of deaths as 980 deaths were recorded to bring the total fatalities recorded to 53,994. 

South Africa has the fifth highest number of cases in the world and make up for 61, 7% of the cases in Africa. Nigeria has the second highest number of cases in Africa and has the 50th most cases in the world with almost 50 000 cases and 981 deaths, followed by Egypt, Ghana and Morocco. 

WHO reported that besides South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria are also witnessing a downward trajectory in cases.  The African country with the biggest upward trajectory is Gambia, followed by Botswana, Namibia and Angola. Other countries with increasing numbers include Zambia, Mozambique and Ethiopia.

In terms of deaths, South Africa also has recorded the highest number, followed by Ethiopia and Algeria. On a positive note, the recovery rate stands at around 73% in Africa with an overall confirmed case fatality rate of 2.2%.

Excluding South Africa, Zambia is among the top five African countries with the highest recent consistent increases, with a 25% increase between the last two weekly updates. Cases in Zambia are now at 10, 218 after 237 new cases were recorded.

Zimbabwean cases are now at 5,643 after 265 new cases were reported from the disease. Deaths recorded are now at 150 after 9 new deaths were recorded. 78, 72% of the cases which translates to 4,442, have been reported to have recovered.  The curfew has been cut to between 8pm and 6am, while business hours were restored to between 8am and 4.30pm to ease the plight of the public and lower the risk of Covid-19 infection by cutting crowding.

Mozambique has a positivity rate of 3.5% with a slow increase in numbers compared to its neighbors, affecting just over half of the country’s districts. 3,045 cases have been reported so far and a total of 19 deaths.

Eswatini’s infections are centered in the Manzini and Hhohho regions and women make up the majority of confirmed cumulative cases. Almost 500 cases were under the age of 19, with most cases between the ages of 20 and 49. 4, 058 cases have been recorded in the country including total fatalities of 79.

Cuba plans clinical trials of potential Covid-19 vaccine

Cuban researchers will begin clinical trials of a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus next week, according to a report from the state-run Prensa Latina news service released on Tuesday. The potential vaccine, named “Sovereignty 01”, will be tested on 676 people between the ages of 19 and 80. The trials will be carried out between August 24 and January 11, with the results available in February 2021, Prensa Latina reported.

On Monday, Cuban state media showed images of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel meeting with vaccine researchers. A 60-year-old US trade embargo makes it difficult for many countries to partner with Cuba or even sell medications to the island. This vaccine is being developed by Cuban government researchers at the Finlay Institute in Havana.

Metal Prices Asia/Europe/NY market

20/08/2020

 (Source: Kitco)