COVID-19: KZN sees rise in cases among healthcare workers

The KwaZulu-Natal health fraternity is experiencing massive spikes in COVID-19 infections, something which the provincial department has taken note of and also expressed concern.

“We have also noted correspondence being widely distributed on social media, purportedly by staff, among others, alluding to these infections. It is with a deep sense of concern that we, indeed, confirm a significant rise in Covid-19 infections among health workers, which has become noticeable in recent weeks. Those who have borne the brunt of Covid-19 include our front-line staff, such as nurses, doctors, as well as allied health workers, administrative clerks, and general orderlies,” health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said on Sunday, 13 December 2020.

At least 61 healthcare workers in Durban have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks.

Simelane-Zulu said that since the beginning of December, 38 staff members had tested positive for COVID-19 at Addington Hospital, among them five 11 nurses, one allied worker and 21 members of support staff.

Only those who are picked up by ambulance are being diverted to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial and King Edward VIII hospitals for medical care.

While at RK Khan Hospital, the total number of staff who have tested positive is 23, which is made up of seven nurses, 10 doctors, two radiologists, three clerks and one general orderly.

“RK Khan Hospital is also open and rendering health-care services, while following strict Covid-19 infection prevention and control protocols,” the MEC further said.

COVID-19: People have become too complacent – KZN health MEC

Simelane-Zulu emphasised that healthcare workers and other staff were not immune to epidemiological changes and other health realities within society.

“But beyond that, given the sensitivity of their work environment, and their higher occupational risk exposure, health workers carry an additional burden of responsibility to take care of themselves, and follow the necessary Covid-19 precautions at all times. This is vital,” she said.

Simelane-Zulu further said that the cases were rising because people had become complacent.

“With the second wave now here, if the precautions are strictly followed, there actually lies an opportunity for health workers and the general SA public to buck the trend and avoid being part of the statistics from this global phenomenon. The resurgence of Covid-19 should be a turning point that galvanises society to work together to arrest, once and for all, the acquiring and further spread of the virus.”

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu