The days of our Covid lives

[Payflex]( [Mail & Guardian Newsletter logo](#) [mg.co.za]( [The Ampersand Daily Newsletter from the M&G team](#) [Divider Strip] June 12 2020 | [View in browser]( [Divider Strip] [Facebook icon]( [Twitter icon]( [Instagram icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( Hi there, After President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of the risk-adjusted strategy of moving South Africa to level three of lockdown, the explosion of Covid-19 cases was expected. The increase in infections arrives at a time when we're seemingly still coming to grips with life in our new world. Following the completion of one-million tests in the country, the M&G Data Desk has done some rough calculations to plot the novel coronavirus' trajectory and the path, it must be said, doesn't inspire optimism. Most concerning is that there is still a [dangerous shortage of healthcare workers](. As one professor of vaccinology put it, "beds do not cure people". "It's about healthcare workers because they take care of the patients. Even in the absence of an outbreak South Africa does not have enough healthcare workers in the public sector." The Northern Cape -- South Africa's largest province by geographical area, but smallest by population -- saw its caseload more than double in the first week of level three, from 43 cases to 102. Speaking to Lester Kiewit, Premier Zamani Saul resigned himself to the fact that the province's [case numbers would increase](. Through no fault of his citizens, he added, but from the partial opening of interprovincial movement. Few countries in the world were well-prepared for the coronavirus. Even some of the best-funded, most well-equipped health systems have struggled to cope. Sudan is less prepared than most. Its government spends [less than $100 per capita]( every year on healthcare. In the whole country, there are fewer than 200 intensive care beds, for a population of 42-million people. Many among us have no choice but to adapt. For high school learners this week that meant a return to school. To better understand what that would have been like, from the mouths of babes, we asked two grade 12 learners to write about their [experiences of returning to school](. Unfortunately for those in the creative space, figuring out a way to practice their craft and earn a livelihood is not at all straightforward. Zaza Hlalethwa and Kwanele Sosibo spoke to the artists that are struggling to [find a new way of working](. Keeping our newsroom going strong is a big ask and some might say now is the wrong time to ask you to help us do it. The old ways no longer work and have landed us in crisis. We are not perfect but throughout the years what has remained constant is our journalism. If you're able to, this is a critical moment for you to support our newsroom with a subscription or donation. Yours in solidarity Kiri Rupiah & Luke Feltham [Divider Strip] [Payflex alt]( [Divider Strip] [Judicial Conduct Committee finds prima facie gross misconduct by Judge Mushtak Parker]( [Judicial Conduct Committee finds prima facie gross misconduct by Judge Mushtak Parker]( The committee says if two complaints against him are found to be true, they are "extremely serious". [Divider Strip] [Councils skint but officials get pay rise]( [Councils skint but officials get pay rise]( The president and Cabinet dropped their salaries and rejected a hike, but councillors take 4% more. [Divider Strip] [Rabid denialist unhinged me]( [Rabid denialist unhinged me]( Paddy Harper's getting a Covid-19 Ters payout, the government works and life is more free. He was happy until Maskless Muppet pitched. [Divider Strip] [Cryptic Crossword 236 - June 12]( [Cryptic Crossword 236 - June 12]( Try out our interactive cryptic crossword. [Divider Strip] [Payflex 3]( [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 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -