A latest study has revealed that about 20 million jobs are at risk in Africa due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to an African Union (AU) study, “Nearly 20 million jobs, both in the formal and informal sectors, are threatened with destruction on the continent if the situation continues.”

African oil exporters are predictable to see their budget deficits double this year while their economies descrease 3% on average.

The AU study said, “The tourism and travel sector in Africa could lose at least $50 billion due to the coronavirus outbreak and at least 2 million direct and indirect jobs.”

Coronavirus live updates-South Africa confirms first deaths

Earlier on March 4, China has provided reagent testing kits to Pakistan, Japan, the African Union in wake of new coronavirus epidemic and shared diagnosis and treatment plans with many countries.

Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing held here on Tuesday, “China is paying close attention to the development of the global new corona pneumonia epidemic situation, and sympathizes with the difficulties currently facing some countries with the intensified epidemic situation.”