National Covid-19 Antibody Survey conducted in Kanonkop
The National Covid-19 Antibody Survey, that is being conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council and Epicentre, has been rolled out in Kanonkop.
According to DA Ward Councillor, Helda de Klerk, 15 residences in Kanonkop have been allocated to be a part of the research consortium, to assess levels of infection by testing the presence of Covid-19 antibodies through the submission of reports and blood samples.
Participants who volunteer in the survey will be kept up to date on the results, meaning that they will know whether they have contracted the virus.
The voluntary survey will be conducted in 400 communities across the country and is anticipated to reach 19 000 people.
Dr Mohammed S. Tayob from the Mzansi Ethical Research Centre, confirmed that the fieldworkers are part of the survey.
He reminded potential participants to be mindful of the antibody warning concept, which means that people who develop Covid-19 infection may lose their antibodies within four to six weeks after developing antibodies.
“This means that people who may have contracted Covid-19 before could possibly test negative for antibodies.”
He also added that patients could possibly have another form of immunity from the virus called T-cell immunity, which won’t be picked up by these antibody tests.
“This does not mean that residents should not participate in the survey because the research is important in assessing the immunity of a community.”
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