Lockdown readiness in Africa 2016-2018, by country
Fewer than one-third (30 percent) of the population in Africa were ready for at least a partial lockdown, in case of an emergency situation such as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To be considered ready for a lockdown, a person should have been able to shelter in place for an extended period of time. For that, people may dispose of piped water, flush toilet, and working electricity; have an information source, such radio or television, and a way to maintain communications, via cell phone, for example; and retain an income from regular employment, or have a savings account. In Mauritius, more than nine out of ten people (93 percent) were ready for at least a partial lockdown, while in Malawi only three percent were able to shelter at home.