Federation of Surgeons of South Africa consensus document for the resumption of elective surgery after level 5 COVID-19 “lockdown” period in South Africa

Abstract

Since the introduction of a national state of disaster at the end of March 2020 we have moved through levels of “lockdown” and as of 1 June 2020 it has been de-escalated to level 3. It is unclear as to how long this level will remain in place. However, it is very likely that our healthcare infrastructure and resources, specifically with relation to the care of the most critically ill patients, will be strained over the coming weeks and months.