More than 15 000 staff to fight third wave of Covid-19 infections
Staff including nurses, administrative clerks, and data capture staff will be retained for a further six months.
AS KwaZulu-Natal faces the third wave of Covid-19 infections, more than 15 000 staff members will lead the fight against the pandemic. This as the Provincial Cabinet extends contracts for staff appointed for the Covid-19 response plan.
Staff including nurses, administrative clerks, and data capture staff will be retained for a further six months; from September 1 to March 31, 2022, said KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala who was speaking at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville on August 29.
“We highly appreciate the contribution made by these recruits since Covid-19 started, and we want to call upon them to continue working with diligence and dedication in the service of our fellow compatriots,” he said.
Also read: From Waterfall to Durban, here’s where you can get your Covid-19 vaccine
“We express our full gratitude to all healthcare workers who have continued to soldier on, under difficult circumstances, since the pandemic began. We also fondly remember and pay tribute to all those who have passed away due to the virus,” added Zikalala.
The premier said the rate of infection during the third wave is lower than the rate seen during the second wave.
Also read: Covid-19 vaccine not linked to 28 deaths, says Sahpra
“When we do a comparison between the different waves that we have had, we realise that the highest number that we recorded in a day during the second wave was 6 700; while during the third wave, the highest number has so far been 4 198,” said Zikalala.
“We remain concerned that our numbers are on an upward trend; while the difference this time around is that children – mostly learners – are getting infected,” concluded the premier.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
