[ad_1]
As the second wave of coronavirus takes hold and hospital bed space becomes scarcer, the number of cases among healthcare professionals is putting even more pressure on the system.
FILE: Health Minister Zweli Mkhize addresses a press conference on July 13, 2020. Image: @ DrZweliMkhize / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize again raised serious concerns on Tuesday about the growing number of healthcare professionals infected with COVID-19.
ALSO READ: No changes to international travel, initiation schools will close
As the second wave of coronavirus takes hold and space for hospital beds becomes scarcer, the number of cases among healthcare professionals is putting even more pressure on the system.
Mkhize said he was concerned for the safety of the country’s health workers.
“The safety of our healthcare workers remains our primary concern … it is a matter of great concern,” Mkhize said.
He was speaking during a briefing that outlined the new COVID-19 level 3 restrictions, regulations and enforcement plans.
WATCH: Highest number of COVID infections currently in KZN
The minister said newly appointed interns and other service professionals were being tied up to bring much-needed relief to the sector.
“That they are part of a whole team of 7,895 community health forces. These are the new employees that we are bringing into the system to really help deal with this situation, ”he said.
READ: CELE implores the public to respect the rules of confinement
Mkhize hopes the recently reimposed alcohol ban will help reduce the burden of trauma in hospitals during the holiday season, freeing up staff to focus on getting through the worst of the second wave.
PLEASE NOTE: Level 3 Rules: Funerals must be completed in less than 2 hours
Download the EWN app on your iOS or Android device.
[ad_2]
