‘A tale of two Covids’ – South Africa and the UK

Bulletin 30 | Louis Rossouw

In ‘A tale of two Covids’, Louis Rossouw provides a comparison of how the pandemic is unfolding in South Africa and the UK.

Although there are some similarities (almost simultaneous lockdown), the differences have been greater. For example, timings of cases, population age profiles, health systems (and existing common conditions), and economic strength. Of these, it is the economic situation that leaves South Africa with less room to move. But a careful exit from lockdown is required – or infections and deaths could accelerate rapidly and undo the good work done to date.

Other countries face similar issues.