Dr Livio Heath from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is the new Chairperson for this SADC region-wide consensus study. Dr Heath comes with vast experience in disease outbreaks which will be valuable for both the study and in terms of a COVID-19 additional focus. Prof Iqbal Parker had been acting as Interim Chair for the consensus study since its inception in June 2019 and has stepped down. All of Prof Parker’s contributions and guidance have been invaluable for the study.