But deaths are rising sharply across Africa, driven by its southern region, especially economic powerhouse South Africa, which accounts for nearly half. South Africa was ravaged by a second wave caused by a more contagious variant that has jammed up casualty wards. For instance, South Africa's excess deaths - deaths considered over-and-above the normal rate - during the pandemic have reached over 137,000, almost three times its official COVID-19 death toll. "If deaths being registered as COVID-19 deaths are not necessarily contingent on a positive test ... as is the case in South Africa, then this can drive up CFR," she said. No ... but most people on the continent do know somebody who has died of COVID during this second wave," Africa CDC director John Nkengasong told reporters last week.

Source: bd News24 February 19, 2021 03:00 UTC