About 324 health workers are infected with Covid-19

On Tuesday, at a media briefing minister of health Dr Zweli Mkhize said the department recorded about 324 health professionals with Covid-19.

The total number of 324 infected health workers includes doctors, nurses and allied health workers both in private and public hospitals.

“We take this issue very seriously. As a department we wish to assure our colleagues and stakeholders, particularly the unions, that we are committed to protecting the safety of our healthcare workers,” Mkhize said.

Of the total, 112 of cases were of health professionals in KZN in private facilities, and 26 in public facilities.

In Gauteng, 71 cases were confirmed in private and 25 in public facilities.

In Western Cape, 64 cases were confirmed in public hospitals.

In Free State five cases in private hospitals were recorded.

In Eastern Cape nine cases in public hospitals were confirmed.

In Limpopo seven cases in public facilities and one in a private facility were recorded.

In North West two cases were confirmed in private facilities.

In Mpumalanga four cases in private facilities and two in public were confirmed.

Mkhize said the department had enough personal protective equipment (PPE) stock for about six to eight weeks as part of its measures to protect the workers.

“The Department of Trade and Industry continues to work towards ramping up our manufacturing capabilities. But we continue to face challenges as surges in global demand and price gouging,” he said.

Mkhize called on unemployed doctors or those having difficulties in the private sector due to the lockdown to contact the department.

“We extend the call to all health professionals, even those who are retired, to come forward and take up employment – even if it is for the short-term. We must, however, reiterate that we cannot employ healthcare workers who are not registered with the relevant authorities.