Early geography of the coronavirus disease outbreak in Nigeria

Abstract

An understanding of the COVID-19 spread is growing around the world, yet little is known of Africa. This paper explores the time-space geographies of COVID-19 infection focusing on Africa and Nigeria especially. We appraise the global-to-local situation of confirmed cases, deaths and recoveries as well as measures engaged in response to the pandemic. Findings reveal that South Africa accounts for 40% of the total confirmed cases in Africa, followed by Egypt (18%), Nigeria (6.8%), Ghana (4.6%) and Algeria (3.6). Our study shows a significant relationship between population density and COVID-19 cases in Nigeria (R² = 0.76; y = 2.43x - 268.7). This expression suggests that high population densities catalyze the spread of COVID-19. While Nigeria has only recorded about 25,964 cases as at the time of writing, the country is struggling to match pressures from rising cases as a result of existing disparities in health care systems.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health care; Nigeria; Population densities; Time–space geographies.

Fig. 1

Countries, territories or areas with reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of 21 February 2020. Source: WHO (World 2020a) (https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200221-sitrep-32-covid-19.pdf)

Fig. 2

Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the last seven days by country, territory or area, 4 July to 10 July. Source: WHO (2020c) (https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200710-covid-19-sitrep-172.pdf?sfvrsn=70724b90_2)

Fig. 3

Global phase (II) of the pandemic. Source: worldometer

Fig. 4

Cases by date since the first record of COVID-19 in Africa. Source: http://covid-19-africa.sen.ovh/

Fig. 5

COVID-19 progression by date in Nigeria. Source: NCDC

Fig. 6

COVID-19 progression by states in Nigeria. Source: NCDC

Fig. 7

Confirmed COVID-19 cases and population density across Nigeria