With the elderly population disproportionately affected by complications from Covid-19, the novel coronavirus has highlighted the physical well-being of older persons. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), older people are particularly at risk of developing fatal complications from the virus. Mental health experts, however, have warned that focusing purely on the physical health of the elderly while ignoring the psychological impact of the pandemic could prove to be as deadly, if not more so, than the virus itself, writes Jamaine Krige

“People thought I was one of those doomsday preppers when all I was doing was trying to protect myself,” says Retha de Wet, speech-language therapist and Myasthenia Gravis patient .By Dalaine Krige

About 2 500 healthcare workers are set to benefit from an initiative that is aimed at providing them with accommodation at various establishments in the hospitality industry. Through Ubuntu Bed, 15 000 rooms have been made available at over 869 hospitality establishments across the country. Health-e News speaks to a Cape Town–based doctor, one of the many health care workers who have been able to stay at a hotel for at least two weeks. “I had to move to Cape Town during lockdown and as a result, I didn’t have any furniture or a proper place to stay. I also couldn’t ask friends and family to host me as I am a high risk to spread Covid-19 to them. I cannot thank Ubuntu Beds enough for the amazing service they have been delivering to various doctors and HCW [health care workers] around the country,” says the doctor, who wishes not

President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the country to follow central tenets of Covid-19 prevention – social distancing, hand sanitizing and proper face mask use – during the new phase of the Covid-19 lockdown. Some have taken these words to heart, whilst others struggle to acclimatise to the new normal.