Coronavirus: Intensive care

As vaccines begin to be administered in several countries, many places are experiencing worrying rises in cases and deaths from Covid-19. One effect is that hospitals have to try and cope with the increasing number of patients. Host Nuala McGovern hears from three doctors working in ICUs in South Africa, Brazil and the United States on the stressful frontline of intensive care. They also share their frustrations about some people having a distrust and reluctance towards being vaccinated, including medical colleagues.

Meanwhile, many around the world are adapting again to various increased restrictions. The pandemic continues to disrupt the education of millions of children in 2021. But while some people remain in severe lockdown, children in some countries are finally returning to school after months of being at home. Two parents from Kenya and Pakistan share their thoughts on whether they think it’s safe to go back into the classroom and the effects on their children of being without face-to-face teaching and school friends for the best part of a year.

(Photo: Dr. Joseph Varon looks on as medical professionals treat people infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, Texas, U.S., November 12, 2020. Credit: Callaghan O"Hare/Reuters)