Africa CDC urges improved public health measures against coronavirus as New Years holiday begins

The African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Friday urged improved anti-COVID-19 public health measures as the New Year holidays begin across the continent.

The continental disease control and prevention agency said that Africans who are celebrating Christmas and the imminent start of the new year 2021 should apply public health measures such as avoiding mass gatherings indoors and practicing social distancing.

The Africa CDC also called on Africans to consistently apply hand hygiene practices to prevent the general transmission of COVID-19, including new variants of the virus found in Nigeria and South Africa.

Africa’s CDC noted that one in five COVID-19 infections on the continent occurs indoors by people who come to visit, making it even more urgent to strictly follow public health measures.

Speaking during a virtual press conference on Thursday, CDC Africa Director John Nkengasong said people should celebrate the New Year holiday with care and safety at hand.

“Diligently following good public health practices can prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases in the next two months on the African continent,” said the CDC Africa chief.

“COVID-19 is also damaging African economies and is seriously damaging to lives and livelihoods across the continent. We need to follow good public health practices at this unprecedented time, ”he added.