Compared to the United States and Europe, the region has so far been spared the worst of the pandemic. Mali reported a record 155 new cases on Dec. 7, compared to fewer than 20 a month earlier. OXYGEN SHORTAGEScientists say a light first wave in West and Central Africa was likely due to multiple factors, including younger populations and a quick response to the outbreak. At the beginning of November, Congo was reporting about 20 new cases a day. In Mauritania, a desert nation abutting North Africa, new cases hit a record 296 on Dec. 15, up from about 20 a day in early November.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 17, 2020 12:56 UTC