Controversy as North West Health Dept suspends leading doctor
As COVID-19 cases begin to surge in the North West province one of the province’s leading clinicians has just been suspended for reasons that are unclear. Ufrieda Ho reports.
In Focus: Unpacking the Northern Cape’s COVID-19 response
The Northern Cape Health Department has come under fire from NEHAWU, the DA, residents and healthcare workers for not testing enough and dragging its feet with its COVID-19 response. Refilwe Mekoa and Alicestine October investigate.
COVID-19: Marketing of tunnels continues, despite criticism from WHO and scientists
The spraying of sanitisers on people in special tunnels or booths in order to combat COVID-19 has been condemned by scientists and government as unnecessary and potentially harmful. Some manufacturers nevertheless continue to market these products. Elna Schütz investigates.
COVID-19: Constitutional Conundrums as lockdown court challenges mount
A recent Pretoria High Court judgment declared the regulations under South Africa’s lockdown alert levels 3 and 4 invalid and unconstitutional. This case may well be overturned on appeal, but provides a critical opportunity for government to redirect and base its decision-making processes on transparency and participation.
COVID-19: Unpacking the science on vitamin D
Some studies have suggested there may be a link between people’s vitamin D levels and COVID-19 outcomes, but local experts say there is little evidence to support this. Kathryn Cleary reports.
COVID-19: Lockdown, hunger and staying on HIV treatment in Hammonds Farm
Concerns are mounting over people stopping or not starting tuberculosis and HIV treatment during South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown. Nomfundo Xolo spoke to activists and people living with HIV and TB in Hammonds Farm in Verulam in KwaZulu-Natal about the challenges they face.
EDITORIAL: As the wave is about to break – every inch is worth fighting for
EDITORIAL: That the wave of infections and deaths is growing and will soon break over us is inevitable. There are no silver bullets that can make it all go away, certainly no quick fixes to hope for from a largely incapacitated state and a public healthcare system that was already in crisis prior to the pandemic.
COVID-19: What’s next for hydroxychloroquine?
Two large studies reported last week found no evidence that the drug hydroxychloroquine was effective for either the treatment or the prevention of COVID-19. Even so, the World Health Organisation and some South African researchers are not yet giving up on the drug. Adele Baleta reports.
COVID-19: Sangoma wants to be COVID-19 ambassador after recovery
When sangoma Gcinani Bango tested positive for COVID-19, he thought he was “counting his last days”. Now, after his discharge from hospital, Bango tells Siyabonga Kamnqa about his fears before contracting the disease and the hope he now has for educating people on preventing transmission of the virus.
In-depth: What ever happened to Ketlaphela?
Government is resuscitating its plans for a state-owned pharmaceutical company and is preparing to announce a new partner in the project. Catherine Tomlinson investigates.
COVID-19 Report 6: What does herd immunity mean for South Africa?
This is issue 6 of COVID-19 Report. We point you to the latest quality science on the pandemic. Are schools safe? Hydroxychloroquine does not prevent COVID-19 and much more can be found in this issue.
COVID-19: Voices from PE townships on lockdown and level 3
South Africa moved to level three of its COVID-19 lockdown this week meaning, significantly relaxed lockdown regulations. In many townships in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, residents have mixed views on life under lockdown. Luvuyo Mehlwana visited some townships and spoke to residents.