How world sees SA: Township clues to low coronavirus death rate – BBC

As the continent's rate of coronavirus infections began to rise in March, South Africa was expected to be amongst the hardest-hit countries in the world. Scientists speculated that the country's population density, particularly in townships such as Alexandra, Soweto and Khayelitsha would be conducive to the spread of the virus. The crowded informal settlements would make it impossible for social distancing to happen, resulting in Covid-19 spreading quickly, preliminary forecasts stated. To date, scientists are still marvelling at how coronavirus has impacted South Africa as infections have surpassed the 600,000 mark and deaths stand at just under 15,000 – far fewer lives lost than anticipated. Researchers are probing a new theory, based on trials held in Johannesburg, which could provide more insight into why the country has not met Covid-related expectations of widespread infection and high death rates. They think we may have developed some type of resistance as a result of exposure to other viruses. – Bernice Maune.

By Bernice Maune

Scientists based at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Analytics unit, at Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, have discovered a possible reason why the coronavirus has not severely impacted the country as predicted when the virus first began spreading in the country.

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