The unanticipated costs of COVID-19 to South Africa's quadruple disease burden

摘要

The COVID-19 pandemic has already impacted on South Africa (SA)’s economy and disrupted the healthcare system. While much has been said about the former, with few exceptions little has been discussed about the disruption to routine, essential healthcare services. The pandemic poses threats previously unknown and has reordered priorities for health. Hospitals have reprogrammed care units to accommodate COVID-19 patients, while others have temporarily closed.[1] To limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, SA has used the most effective prevention toolkit currently available – social-behavioural measures such as social distancing, handwashing, and ensuring that transportation and workplaces apply safety protocols.