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All the best health stories from
the Bhekisisa team this week
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How many coronavirus tests does SA run in a day? 

Not nearly enough.

Our government labs have only done 6 000 tests since the start of the outbreak — they're supposed to do 5 000 per day.

The rest of the about 45 000 tests have been done by private labs.

That's why the health minister launched a plan to ramp up coronavirus testing. He wants us to upscale to 35 000 tests per day. 

But can we — and what will it take?  

Stay safe,

Aisha Abdool Karim and Mia Malan 
@a_abdoolkarim @miamalan
We are proud to bring you trustworthy #CoronavirusInSouthAfrica coverage. Help us keep it free by making a small donation HERE.
South Africa stands at a crossroads in the fight against the new coronavirus — and winning the battle will hinge on the decisions we make now about how quickly and how broadly we begin to test for the virus. Here are four reasons to be excited about our new testing plan.
 
Would you risk your life for R3 500? These community health workers have been doing just that for years. And now they need to trace people with the coronavirus.
 
WHAT WE DID THIS WEEK
Our Mia Malan was a panellist on WAN-IFRA and the World Editors Forum's webinar on ethics, journalism and COVID-19. 
 
Our Aisha Abdool Karim spoke to Cathy Mohlahlana on The Pulse on Newzroom Afrika about unproven treatments for COVID-19. Read her stories about interferon and chloroquine.
Welcome to our new subscribers. We're honoured to have you on board.
Ingrid Heap from Cape Town, South Africa 
M Kekana from Johannesburg, South Africa 
Thabo Lekay from Doornfontein, South Africa 
Rodney Neilson from Randburg, South Africa
Eli Kashala from Bertsham, South Africa
Senzwa Gum from Saldanha Bay IDZ Licencing Company, Cape Town, South Africa 
 

Have something to say or an opportunity to share? Let us know. Email tip-offs, comments or story and opinion suggestions to health@bhekisisa.org. 

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for daily updates.
 
The Bhekisisa Team
Copyright © 2020 Bhekisisa Development Media NPC. All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism, Metal Box
25 Owl Street, 4th Floor, Braamfontein Werf, 2092, Johannesburg, South Africa

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