News24 | Covid-19 Chronicles: Recent Episodes
Media24
News24 launched this weekly podcast in April, not long after the country first went into lockdown in response to the spread of the coronavirus. In this 10-part series, host Catherine Rice unpacks some of the country’s hot button issues surrounding Covid-19 - the health sector’s preparedness for the virus; the testing backlog, food riots and hairdressers and beauticians’ fight to get back to work.
Hairdressers and beauticians across the country face bankruptcy as they have not been able to work since South Africa went into lockdown on March 27. An application to have the industry reopened was dismissed last month, but a second application is expected to be heard on June 17. Hairdressers head back to court to demand reopening
Government urgently needs to address the deepening crisis of the Covid-19 testing backlog. New strategies are being put in place in the Western Cape, that include a ban on tests for those under the age of 55 with no comorbidities. Urgent measures needed to address testing backlog crisis
An 87-year-old woman has made a remarkable recovery after contracting Covid-19 last month. Pat Jones was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital where she spent two weeks battling the disease. 87-year-old makes remarkable coronavirus recovery
Education experts are divided over the government's decision to reopen schools on 1 June. Some believe schools in poorer provinces will not be ready, and that schools should close for the rest of the year to safeguard the health of children and teachers. But, others point to scientific evidence which shows that children do not transmit the virus. Education experts divided as back-to-school countdown begins
There was widespread praise for President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a hard lockdown in March. But, as the weeks and months have passed since then, there has been a growing sense of unease. Move towards a totalitarian state as rules erode our rights
Restaurants across South Africa face closure as the Covid-19 crisis deepens. The industry has been one of those most affected by the lockdown, and its suvival is now at stake. Restaurant industry survival at stake
Volunteers in South Africa are working around the clock to provide food for millions of poor South Africans. Government is set to announce relief measures, but many communities are already in crisis with food riots expected to increase in the coming weeks. Country's poor on brink of starvation
Thousands of South Africans are trapped abroad, unable to return home due to the strict lockdown regulations in place to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. They are running out of funds and options as each day passes. Many feel abandoned by the South African government and are desperate for help. In this, the third episode of the Covid-19 Chronicles we speak to several citizens currently stranded abroad, who share their stories of frustration. South Africans stranded abroad are locked down, locked out
Covid-19 is spreading its tentacles around the world. A deadly virus with a potentially deadly fallout in the form of domestic violence. Abuse levels have skyrocketed globally, and in South Africa, 2 300 calls were registered to domestic abuse hotlines in the first four days of lockdown. In this, the second episode of the Covid-19 Chronicles, we take a look at what is happening locally, behind the locked doors of families with a history of abuse, and the explosions of violence that may be happening. Victims of GBV could face a terrifying reality during SA lockdown
South Africa is gearing up for the fight against Covid-19. Healthcare workers face a race against time as they prepare for the inevitable onslaught. The country has recorded less than 2 000 cases so far, but doctors believe the healthcare system will soon be swamped. In this episode of the Covid-19 Chronicles, we speak to doctors about the preparations happening behind the scenes. Anaesthetist Dr Niall Evans says doctors are scrambling to get the correct protective equipment. He started a fundraising campaign to raise money for the cause. Clock ticking for healthcare workers before Covid-19 tsunami hits SA