‘More than 500 health workers test positive for COVID-19’ – Mkhize
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, on Wednesday 6 May, announced that 511 health workers across the country have tested positive for COVID-19.
On Tuesday 5 May, Mkhize announced that the total figure of confirmed cases is at 7 572. He also said a further 10 people had lost their lives, bringing the total death toll to 148.
MORE THAN 500 HEALTH WORKERS INFECTED
Mkhize took to Twitter on Wednesday, saying that 511 health workers had tested positive. He said 26 of them have been hospitalised and two lost their lives — a doctor and a nurse.
Mkhize said 149 health workers have recovered.
“The contribution of the protective gear is therefore very important,” he said.
“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,” he added.
“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.
WESTERN CAPE STILL THE COVID-19 EPICENTRE
When Mkhize announced that there had been a further 10 deaths, he said that 70% of them had occurred in the Western Cape.
“Regrettably, we report 10 more COVID-19 related deaths; seven from Western Cape, one from Eastern Cape, one from KZN and one from Gauteng. This brings the total deaths nationally to 148,” he said.
The latest COVID-19 death toll in each province, according to Mkhize is as follows:
- Gauteng – 15 deaths;
- Western Cape – 71 deaths;
- KwaZulu-Natal – 36 deaths;
- Free State – six deaths;
- Eastern Cape – 18 deaths;
- Limpopo – two deaths;
- Mpumalanga – 0 deaths;
- North West – 0 deaths; and
- Northern Cape – 0 deaths.
The Western Cape also has 3 609 confirmed cases, while Gauteng has 1 697 and KwaZulu-Natal 1 142 cases. Those three provinces have the highest number of cases in the country.
“At the end of the day, everything is about people. It is only when our people are healthy, that we will have a thriving economy. Improving our economy starts with the good health of our people. Good nutrition, hygiene and sanitation are at the core of our people being healthy,” added Mkhize.
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