Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that over 500 healthcare workers have tested positive for the coronavirus so far. Of those, two have died – a doctor and a nurse.
Healthcare workers are on the frontline of this pandemic and therefore bear the most risk. Across the country 511 have tested positive, 26 are currently hospitalised and 149 have recovered.
Mkhize announced these numbers during a meeting to receive personal protective gear from Sibanye-Stillwater and Old Mutual. He highlighted the statistics to emphasise how important this protective equipment is for those on the frontline.
“Our health workers are like soldiers who go to war. They must be well trained, well armed and well protected. We want them to be confident that they are well trained, that they understand how they don’t get infected, and how they protect others,” he said in a tweet.
South Africa has been preparing hospitals, constructing field hospitals and quarantine locations to ensure that the country is prepared for the peak of the pandemic. Keeping medical staff healthy is vital as they are key to fighting the virus right through to the end.
“I pay tribute to all our health workers. They have done a great job. We bow our heads and salute you. We appreciate all the work you are doing. Both public and private health workers are one,” said Mkhize.
Picture: Zweli Mkhize/Twitter