Many Cape Town residents have, because of their economic and social circumstances, already been exposed to Covid-19, without their knowledge.

This, according to research by the Medical Research Council and the Stellenbosch University which found that people from poorer areas have, because of their high-density living arrangements, and because they make use of public-transport, already been infected with the virus.

Researcher at the University of Stellenbosch’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Jane Shaw, says the immunity-rate among residents from wealthier areas are a lot lower than the national average.

Shaw says more than 400 volunteers participated in the study.

The First South African National TB Prevalence Survey gives a clearer picture of the epidemic. https://t.co/rJd9A75dku pic.twitter.com/QyHzAfIx4Q

— SAMRC (@MRCza) February 22, 2021