On Friday (10 April) Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize recommended that members of the public wear cloth facemasks of at least three layers. In so doing, Mkhize gave direction on an issue that has created much uncertainty. Dr Kerrin Begg unpacks the science and policy driving this decision.
A team of local scientists have put together the first genetic fingerprint of a SARS-CoV-2 virus found in South Africa. Spotlight spoke to two of the scientists to learn more.
The National Health Laboratory Service claims it has the capacity to do 15 000 COVID-19 tests a day, but that the actual number of tests being done is lower because of limited demand from provinces.
Most of the COVID-19 numbers we have paint only part of the picture and can easily be misinterpreted. Here are some tips on understanding the numbers.
Spotlight asked Dr Lungile Hobe-Nxumalo, Chair of the Rural Doctors’ Association of Southern Africa, how rural healthcare facilities can prepare for the fight against COVID-19.
On the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast community members and organisations are working together to prepare and protect against COVID-19. Spotlight spoke with people from four different villages to learn more.
A key concern in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic internationally has been a shortage of medical equipment, particularly ventilators. Elna Schütz asks whether we are sufficiently prepared in South Africa.
Government can now track people’s movements through their cell phones to establish who may have come into contact with people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Spotlight spoke to experts and activists about the new tracking plans.
A collaboration of public health and infection prevention doctors of TB Proof and Public Health Action Team started a Masks4All campaign arguing for homemade face masks as a potentially powerful tool to the fight against COVID-19. Here they explain why.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize must use all the legal mechanisms at his disposal to ensure that the constitutional imperative that everyone has the right to have access to health care services is realised, writes Nkululeko Conco and Tendai Mafuma.
In South Africa’s war against COVID-19 community healthcare workers are foot soldiers on the frontlines. Spotlight spoke to CHWs from across the country about their concerns regarding a lack of protective equipment and job security.
South Africa’s 21-day lockdown is a drastic measure intended to help and protect the public. For it to work it needs an extraordinary level of trust, communication and clear messaging and will have to be implemented with belief, commitment and engagement by the vast majority of our people, writes Dr Lydia Cairncross and Kelly Gillespie.