Nursing a nation

[Mail & Guardian Newsletter logo](#) [mg.co.za]( [The Ampersand Daily Newsletter from the M&G team](#) [Divider Strip] June 01 2020 | [View in browser]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Hi there, You can tell the measure of a nation by how it equips its healthcare workers and educators. "You cannot send us to war with no protective equipment." This is the plea from health workers gearing up for an expected spike in Covid-19 cases as the country begins level three of lockdown today. "There was nowhere in the oath where we said we were pledging to die at the end of the day," the deputy of the Young Nurses Indaba Trade Union tells Tshegofatso Mathe. The union [doubts the readiness of the healthcare sector]( amid claims from its Gauteng members that they are not being supplied with sufficient gear or training. These concerns extend to other provinces too. The Eastern Cape has long been an area of contention and the recent death of two healthcare workers in seven days has only magnified its deficiencies. Sabelo Skiti, Thanduxolo Jika and Chris Gilili spoke to several health professionals who claim that personal protective equipment is only [afforded to staff who are dealing directly]( with Covid-19 patients. Everyone else reportedly has to make do with what they have, as well as being ill-equipped to implement screening protocols. Nurses in the Western Cape, where cases continue to rise exponentially, have similar concerns. Lester Kiewit reports that even healthcare workers who are far removed from Covid-19 wards [still travel to work in fear]( every day. As one nurse puts it: "Every day as I get in, I ask: 'Is this the day where there's an explosion of patients with flu-like symptoms? Will there be enough staff?' It's very frustrating not being able to prepare your mind before work because you just don't know what is going to happen." In case you missed it Back like they never left: International hacktivist group Anonymous has resurfaced to add its voice to those criticising the Minneapolis Police Department after the [death of George Floyd]( in its custody on May 25. As the widespread civil unrest escalated across North America, the loosely affiliated hackers released a video, threatening the police department, and saying it will "[expose your many crimes to the world]( Turn up and get done up: Namibia's president has admitted that he breached his country's coronavirus regulations when he hosted a party to mark his political party's 60th anniversary. He has now [fined all those who attended]( the illegal birthday bash. Waste time, want not: Rest is productive, you know. Not everything you do has to be about upskilling or learning or finding an online nemesis. These are some of our [favourite places to waste time]( on the internet. Snapshot of symptoms: As the novel coronavirus continues its deadly march, doctors are beginning to assess the scope of its damage. It was initially seen as a cause of viral pneumonia during the chaos of an explosion of cases in China; it's now emerging as an enigmatic pathogen capable of harming the body in a myriad of unexpected, and sometimes lethal, ways. Here's a snapshot of some of the symptoms Covid-19 causes, [including some you may not have heard about](. Kitty cure: A much-hyped Covid-19 drug is almost identical to a black-market [antiviral for a feline coronavirus](. Reporting Amerikkka: If we talked about what is happening in Minneapolis the same way we talk about events in an African or Asian country, here's how the Western media would cover the "[ethnic violence]( and heavy-handed security forces of a corrupt regime. Kenya sue for that?: Five Kenyans have sued the Ugandan government for [allegedly failing to control floods]( around the shores of Lake Victoria, resulting in people being displaced and damage to their property. What's happening in the digital newsroom Don't forget to sign up for [The Continent]( a weekly newspaper produced in partnership with the Mail & Guardian. It features the best reporting from journalists across Africa, and is made to be read and shared on WhatsApp. A new edition comes out every Saturday. Considered, factual journalism is our product. Whether it's [a subscription]( a one-time donation, or simply continuing to read and share our work, we appreciate your support. Without you, we wouldn't exist. Yours in solidarity Kiri Rupiah & Luke Feltham [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( You are receiving this email on {EMAIL} because 1.) You're a member of "Mail & Guardian" or 2.) previously subscribed [M&G logo] 25 Owl St, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, 2092 Want to be removed? No problem! [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Email support: help@media-connect.co.za - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -