Until recently Africa was one of the few continents which had not been affected by the coronavirus. And as a continent that is usually very vulnerable to major epidemics, it even raised questions. But Africa was not saved.
The continent recorded its first case in Egypt in mid-February, the first country to be affected. Then Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal…and the count goes up. For now, the African continent counts 12 countries affected by Covid-19 cases that have very quickly become a real headache with their consequences. Populations are forced to review their habits to avoid the spread of the disease.
Consequences on the sporting level
One of the characteristics of coronavirus is its rapid spread. As a result, events that mobilize crowds are highly risky. In order to be prepared for any eventuality, some countries have not hesitated to take drastic measures, particularly in sport, while others are trying to stand up.
Senegal – the launch of the BAL postponed to a later date
In Senegal, basketball sets the tone. Scheduled to be launched in Dakar on March 13, the launch of the Basketball Africa League has simply been postponed to a later date. In a press release, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall explained that the postponement was due to the coronavirus in Senegal. “Following the recommendation of the Senegalese government, regarding the escalating health concerns related to the coronavirus, the BAL’s inaugural season will be postponed,” Fall said in the statement. “I am disappointed that we are not able to tip off this historic league as scheduled, but look forward to the highly anticipated launch of the BAL at a later date,” he added, without giving further details.
As far as football is concerned, the Senegalese football league issued a statement confirming the continuation of the league’s match schedule. “So far, the LSFP doesn’t intend to suspend or cancel its next events. It remains attentive to the competent authorities who alone are empowered to take the appropriate measures in the interests of the Senegalese people,” said the statement signed by President Saer Seck. In turn, the Minister of Sports during a press conference gave the position of the government. “No suspension or cancellation of a sporting activity is currently expected,” Matar Ba said. However, the Sports Minister called on the federations, sports associations and clubs to remain vigilant, determined and to show more responsibility by taking measures to prevent and fight the virus.
Morocco – some sport events cancelled and championship holds behind closed doors
In Morocco, however, the measure is more drastic. As soon as the first case appeared, the sports authorities cancelled the Judo tournament, which was meant to serve as qualifier for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Two days later, the Moroccan Royal Football Federation decided that all football matches in all categories will be played behind closed doors from Wednesday 4 March. This preventive approach is not new in Morocco. In 2014, the Kingdom had already applied a similar precautionary principle by renouncing the organization of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament on the dates planned to avoid the risks of Ebola. The 2015 CAF Africa Cup of Nations was then reassigned to Equatorial Guinea.
Togo – the sport calendar remains unchanged the case of coronavirus declared in Togo, which was subsequently reversed by the government following the tests, had not led to any special changes relating to sport. “The D1 and D2 championships were played last weekend. Today, the national team for the Africa Championship has started a new preparation camp. The U-20 national team will start theirs on Wednesday. In conclusion, nothing has changed in terms of sport. No competition cancellations, no particular or special arrangements,” Togolese sports journalist Kodjo Avuletey said.
Gabon – Government prepares for the worst
Gabon is one of the African countries so far spared by the coronavirus. However, the government is taking the lead in preparing for any eventuality and does not rule out “the postponement to a later date of all international events planned in Gabon”. In the meantime, measures have been taken to raise the level of protection for the population and athletes competing at the national level. “First of all, at the borders, tests are being carried out at all checkpoints, whether air, port or land. The laboratories for testing the virus have been solidly equipped in recent days. At the same time, a special fund has been set up for the response to COVID-19. These are actions well carried out to enable athletes to practice their sport in complete serenity,” said Rodrigue Bekale, president of the Gabon independent sport Press Association.
Côte d’Ivoire – No special provisions in the sport domain
Ivory coast registered its first case of coronavirus disease on Wednesday March 11, according to health authorities. But this situation still has no impact on the sporting agenda of the country. “Here, there are not yet any special provisions taken by the federations or the state in the programming of matches or competitions, apart from the prevention instructions of the Ministry of Health,” Anne Marie Ngessan, President of the National Sport Press Association informed.
Cameroon – CAF Medical Committee on inspection visit on 14 and 15 March
Although no decision has yet been taken, the appearance of the coronavirus in Cameroon with the first case confirmed by the Ministry of Health in a press release could be worrying with less than a month to go before the Total 2020 African Championship of Nations (CHAN). Indeed, Cameroon is due to host this African competition scheduled from April 4 to 25th, 2020. CAF has announced an inspection visit of its medical committee on March 14th and 15th, 2020 in Cameroon. The purpose of this mission is to evaluate all the preventive measures taken by the local organizing committee. In the meantime, the competition remains as planned.
Central Africa – Focused on sensitization
In the Central African Republic, no cases are detected so the alert is less and also activities continue normally. “We just call for prevention, especially hand washing, coughing into a handkerchief, avoiding handling dead animals, that’s all we do. But there is no impact on sport,” Fridolin Wambobo, President of the National Sports Press Association of Central Africa said.
