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With South Africa reaching the grim milestone of one million confirmed infections, many of the lessons learned will be useful for the government’s response plan in 2021.
FILE: A SAPS member reinforces social distancing as shoppers queue in front of a supermarket in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on March 28, 2020. Image: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – There may have been some trial and error in dealing with COVID-19, but in recent months scientists have made remarkable progress, allowing nations to grapple with obstacles like second waves of infections.
With South Africa reaching the grim milestone of one million confirmed infections, many of the lessons learned will be useful for the government’s response plan.
Deserted roads, meandering lines to stock up on groceries, limited contact, as well as confusion and uncertainty about things like wearing masks.
The fear was palpable.
“We are preparing more than 1.5 million graves, and it is an uncomfortable discussion, but it is the reality.”
The words of the former Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku had cut like a knife and the impact of the pandemic struck many.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Minister of Health says SA is on high alert for coronavirus
In the early days, when not much was known about the coronavirus, the world only glimpsed it through media reports from China, then the epicenter.
And before we knew it, the virus reached South Africa. On March 27, the country entered a tough blockade, initially set for 21 days.
LOOK: President Ramaphosa places South Africa in a 21-day blockade
While the government relied on science to craft its COVID-19 response plan, and South Africans were largely supportive of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the initial issues and mixed messages were hard to ignore.
“I think for the general public who are trying to protect themselves from the coronavirus, there is no recommendation for masks. The reason is that there is no evidence that wearing a standard surgical mask actually reduces the risk of getting a respiratory infection. “
This was the word of Professor Cheryl Cohen of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) who, like many others, drew on information from leading experts and the World Health Organization.
Communication around the tests was also somewhat incomplete.
This was said by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, one of the country’s infectious disease specialists and epidemiologist, in April 2020.
“So you can’t get tested unless you have an acute respiratory tract infection. And we require you to have at least one in four symptoms that are common in patients who have COVID. “
Some lessons were difficult and generated a lot of consternation, but important progress was also made.
South Africa was credited by many for leading by example after deciding on an early closure, which gave officials some time to prepare health structures, among others.
The battle is far from over, and with the country now in the midst of a second wave, the government is expected to be in a better position to deal with it and prepare resources for the launch of a possible vaccine in the coming months.
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