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MEC Health Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu (left) and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala at Gray’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
- There has been an increase in Covid-19 infections among KZN healthcare workers.
- Most of the affected workers were nurses.
- Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu urged healthcare workers and the public to be more cautious during the second wave.
There has been a significant increase in Covid-19 infections among healthcare workers in KwaZulu-Natal, the Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said on Sunday.
“It is with a deep sense of concern that we do, in fact, confirm a significant increase in Covid-19 infections among healthcare workers, which has become noticeable in recent weeks.”
Simelane-Zulu said the department had noticed widely distributed correspondence on social media, allegedly from staff, among others, alluding to the rise in infections.
He added that frontline workers were the most affected.
“Those who have suffered the brunt of Covid-19 include our front-line staff such as nurses, physicians, as well as allied healthcare workers, administrative employees, and general ordinances.”
Simelane-Zulu gave a breakdown of the numbers, stating that at Addington Hospital, 38 staff members tested positive since early December.
“This includes five physicians, 11 nursing staff, one allied worker, and 21 support staff. However, Addington Hospital continues to operate and is accepting all walk-ins. Only those who are picked up at ambulances will be diverted to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospitals and King Edward VIII “.
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She said that at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, 23 staff members tested positive, which included seven nurses, 10 doctors, two radiologists, three employees and a general assistant.
“Contrary to unfounded reports, the RK Khan Hospital is also open and provides health care services, while following strict Covid-19 infection prevention and control protocols,” Simelane-Zulu clarified.
On December 9, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said the country was experiencing a Covid-19 resurgence with KwaZulu-Natal among the four provinces that were driving the spread of a second wave alongside the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
If precautions are followed, health workers and South Africans can avoid Covid-19
Simelane-Zulu said that healthcare workers were the ones most at risk of contracting Covid-19.
“Given the sensitivity of their work environment and their increased exposure to occupational hazards, healthcare workers have an additional burden of responsibility to take care of themselves and follow necessary Covid-19 precautions at all times. This is vital.
“In general, Covid-19 is only increasing now because when the statistics started to drop, too many people became complacent and began to assume that the virus was no longer a threat.”
She said this was despite warnings of a resurgence.
“With the second wave now here, if precautions are strictly followed, there is actually an opportunity for SA healthcare workers and the general public to counteract the trend and avoid being part of the statistics of this global phenomenon.”
He also updated the KZN Covid-19 numbers statistics.
During the last 24-hour reporting period, KZN reported 1,613 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 139,366. At least 120,207 people have recovered.
“Sadly, there have been four new deaths in KZN, bringing the death toll to 3,457.”
Simelane-Zulu said that as of Saturday, the province had 1,335 patients admitted to private (941 people) and public (394 people) hospitals.
“Of those admitted, 169 patients [13%] required intensive care services. Private hospitals had more ICU patients [87% or 147 people] that public facilities [13% or 22 people]. Among those who required intensive care, 37% [62 people] were both aired in private [74% or 46 people] and I publish [26% or 16 people] installations. Other patients, 10% [128 people] they were admitted to intensive care units. “
He added that 7,451 healthcare workers have been infected with Covid-19 in the public sector since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Of the total number of infected, 91 [1%] sadly they have succumbed to the disease. “
