This has resulted in far fewer deaths overall at 5,173, or about 9 per 100,000 of population – but possibly as high as 22 when counting statistical “excess deaths”. Even with “excess deaths” included, South Africa’s figures are still less than half that of more developed countries. Despite the potentially positive implications for Covid-19 treatment in the rest of Africa, the picture remains bleak as the virus creates and perpetuates many problems. Covid-19 has highlighted longstanding problems such as unemployment, poverty, hunger and socio-economic inequality, while introducing many new problems, including potential mass starvation. Already in South Africa, 30 per cent of restaurants — heavily hit by the country's tough Covid-19 response regulations banning alcohol sales — have closed permanently, and half the remainder say they may never open again.

Source: Daily Nation July 23, 2020 11:14 UTC