You are watching Africa 54, your daily news and feature magazine-style program, from the Voice of America. Host Esther Githui-Ewart and a team of correspondents zero in on the big stories making news on the continent and around the world with context and analysis.

Top Stories:

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson returns back on the job after becoming the first world leader to contract and recover from COVID-19. Johnson spoke outside his downing street office Monday, saying that while he understands the impatience and anxiety people are feeling over the coronavirus, relaxing restrictions right now would risk a “new wave of death and disease” that would further harm the British economy.

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide are approaching nearly three-million and fatalities have exceeded 206,000, according to Johns Hopkins University statistics.

The U.S. has over 980,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with at least 55,000 deaths. New York state continues to be hit the hardest, with about 30% of all U.S. cases and deaths.

216 healthcare workers from Cuba arrived in South Africa, the latest of more than 20 medical brigades it has sent worldwide to combat the coronavirus pandemic. But the White House is urging nations not to accept Cuba’s medical missions on charges it exploits its workers, which Havana denies. But the calls are going largely unheeded as overwhelmed healthcare systems are welcoming the help.

Nigerian state governors ask President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the mandatory use of face masks in public as confirmed coronavirus cases rise, according to Reuters -- but the presidency, so far, is declining to comment.

The Republic of Congo reports 200 cases of COVID-19 and eight deaths since the first case on March 15th, according to Reuters.

The United Nations food chief is warning that while the world fights the coronavirus pandemic, it is also on the brink of a hunger pandemic. The executive director of the World Food Program met with U.S. secretary of state Mike Pompeo to discuss ways to avert the worst humanitarian crisis since world war two.

As the worldwide coronavirus pandemic rages on, its disruptions are impacting vaccine campaigns in many parts of the world’s least developed countries. In an interview with VOA correspondent Mariama Diallo, a major vaccine organization says that while it’s important to respond to the current outbreak, it’s crucial for countries to keep an eye on other immunization efforts.

Freedom of the press is under attack in many parts of the world, while in others, at least incremental freedom gains have been accomplished. Sub-Saharan Africa’s situation reflects both trends, with conditions improving in some of its nations but becoming more oppressive in others. And now, the coronavirus is presenting a fresh set of challenges to journalists.
A54 Sports: The cancellation of marathons and major races because of the COVID-19 lockdown measures doesn't mean sport lovers can't compete. Racing and breaking records is still possible – it’s just a bit more complicated.
A54 Sports: The cancellation of marathons and major races because of the COVID-19 lockdown measures doesn't mean sport lovers can't compete. Racing and breaking records is still possible – it’s just a bit more complicated.

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