Top tips: Dr Odette Volmink on keeping high-risk household employees and family members safe during COVID-19

One of the groups that’s been economically hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic is the roughly 1.2 million household employees who work in South Africa. These employees have eagerly anticipated their return to work and their employers have looked to welcome them back. However, the pandemic has resulted in anxiety about the impact of movement between our home and the homes of others on our health. Household employers also worry about exposing those considered high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 – whether family members or employees – to increased risk. Medical doctor and occupational medicine specialist Dr Odette Volmink (based at the National Institute for Occupational Health) understands this well. In this interview with Discovery she explores the ins and outs of keeping those who are at high risk safe, with a focus on high-risk household employees and other members of the household.