Over 34,000 persons tested positive of the virus (globally). Death toll is 636 (as at recent report). 41 passengers in a cruise ship in Japan tested positive. The virus infiltrated in many parts of the West and Asia.
Lucky for Africa, no positive case tested in the continent just yet. Taken into consideration the capacity of many states in Africa, and the ignorance/stubbornness of many of its citizenry, I would advise Africa puts a travel ban to/from mainland China or put measures to screen in comers thoroughly to protect its citizens. This will hurt the economies a lot. It already may have started showing symptoms. Business people in Freetown (capital of Sierra Leone) have been accused of blaming the Coronavirus for the incessant increase in price.
Come to think of how it will slowdown supply due to security checks. How it will discourage several business persons to travel to China for merchant. Nation states will eventually start to even scan goods from the country. It will be hard for Africa. But what will be harder than containing a virus that a greater nation like China (economically) itself finds difficult to contain?
There are several undiscovered things about the virus at now. Vaccine development could be difficult if a source is not known. We cannot tell how this virus will perform in the tropics and other regions.
It's not hatred or lack of sympathy, but rather protection of a much more vulnerable people. Many African sates are less equipped to tackle breakouts like this. And our interactiveness in all spheres will create a room for its rapid spread in the community than in any other civilization. We don't know yet how equipped we are with face-mask or other protective gears to prevent its spread. We are prayerful people. We all know the first place our people will flood when such things occur (God forbid), the Churches and Mosques. Places where they will spread easily and rapidly. So please save us the worries. Be proactive for once.
My heart and prayer to China and its loving citizens. God help us all.
© Amadu Wurie Jalloh
® Students Analysts and Writers Network
®The Emmanuel Ivorgba Foundation