Cape Town - Front-line workers in the healthcare system are at increasing risk of catching the coronavirus.
A total of 47 health workers in the Western Cape's public and private sector have tested positive for Covid-19 since April 21.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) said nurses feel they are not getting enough support from the government while putting themselves at risk every day.
Denosa communications manager Sibongiseni Delihlazo said the preparation of the country was not broad enough to look at what health workers would need during this period.
“The kind of support that would have assisted them includes better personal protective equipment (PPE) and early preparation of health-care workers at all levels of health facilities because Covid-19 is a new disease,” he said.
Delihlazo said limited PPE meant health-care workers were "sent to fight a war without any form of protection".
They faced risks and some had already contracted the virus in the line of duty. Many continue to call for payment of risk allowance for Covid-19, like other essential workers are getting.
Delihlazo said if nurses or health workers were not properly supported, they would be severely affected.
Western Cape Health Department spokesperson Mark van der Heever said the department would remain responsive in safeguarding health workers.
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Cape Argus
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