COVID-19: “Extremely high levels of stress” among employees in SA
Employees in South Africa are experiencing extremely high rates of psychological distress during the COVID-19 epidemic, researchers report.
COVID-19: Alcohol ban will increase ICU capacity, but is not a long term solution – experts say
The reinstatement of the ban on the sale of alcohol may have come as a surprise to many, but evidence suggest that it will have a significant impact on trauma and hospital capacity in the coming weeks. Elna Schütz investigates.
COVID-19: Solutions proposed as shocking new child hunger numbers revealed
Findings from a large survey published today has revealed shocking statistics about the effects of South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown on child and household hunger. Experts say children may be the pandemic’s greatest victims and the country’s progress towards ending hunger may have been reversed. Kathryn Cleary reports.
COVID-19: The touching story of Nurse Angy Rabothatha
Testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 can be frightening and traumatic. Nurse Angy Rabothatha is among the many nurses who are part of government’s trace and support teams who help people with COVID-19 on their journey. She shared her story with Biénne Huisman.
COVID-19: How life has changed for providers of mental health services
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced mental health practitioners to rethink and adapt how they provide mental health services amidst daily reports of COVID-19 infections and deaths and under the constraints of the national lockdown. Melissa Javan asked mental health practitioners about how their lives have changed.
COVID-19: Parole release numbers set to rise as lockdown-arrests continue
By 16 June there were 1 622 COVID-19 infections and 12 deaths recorded in correctional facilities across the country. While some inmates are considered for a special parole to reduce the transmission risk in correctional facilities, over 272 000 arrests for lockdown-related offences were made, triggering a further set of transmission concerns. Elri Voigt reports.
Lockdown impacts HIV prevention programme for adolescent girls and young women
Strict COVID-19 measures have had a negative impact on a programme aimed at providing HIV prevention medicine and gender based violence counselling services for vulnerable girls and young women. Adele Baleta reports.
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: 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.
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.
COVID-19: 14 Do’s and Don’ts of level 3 lockdown
On Sunday 24 May President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that from 1 June South Africa will move to level three of its national lockdown. Spotlight answers 14 questions relating to this new phase of the lockdown.
COVID-19: The hidden impact of lockdown on children
The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent its spread have impacted children in some predictable and some less predictable ways. Kathryn Cleary spoke to some experts and some kids to get a deeper understanding.
