South Africa’s national shutdown has bought the country precious time to prepare for an inevitable rise in COVID-19 cases once lockdown restrictions ease. Presently, the majority of planning has centred around ensuring the country has enough hospital beds, staff and equipment to treat COVID-19 patients. 

A recent Human Science Research Council study found that up to one in four people with chronic conditions reported difficulty in accessing regular medication nationally during the lockdown in informal settlements, rural areas and farms.

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