More than 3,500 healthcare workers infected with COVID-19 in S. Africa: minister

Staff members test an infrared thermometer before the shop opens in Johannesburg, South Africa, May 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

The novel coronavirus has infected 3,583 healthcare workers in South Africa, and 34 of them have died, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Tuesday. As of Monday, the numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country surpassed the 100,000 mark, with 1,991 deaths.

CAPE TOWN, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The novel coronavirus has infected 3,583 healthcare workers in South Africa, and 34 of them have died, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Tuesday.

"May the souls of these selfless warriors rest in eternal peace and we thank them for their unwavering service right until the end," the minister said at the opening the first phase of a 3,300-bed field hospital in Uitenhage, the Eastern Cape province.

Of the infected healthcare workers, 1,993 have recovered, the minister said.

The government, he said, has been working hard to address the shortage of healthcare workers as the country saw continued rise in COVID-19 infections and related deaths.

As of Monday, the total numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country surpassed the 100,000 mark, with 1,991 deaths.

Mkhize said the country needs more healthcare workers to join the fight against the virus.

A total of 6,508 healthcare professionals have answered a government call for employment, according to Mkhize.

A nurse stands on a testing vehicle in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 21, 2020.(Xinhua/Shiraaz Mohamed)

The call for all qualifying health professionals to take up a post in public healthcare continues as the country needs all hands on deck for the coming months, he said.

"Even those who are retired must present and we will ensure they play a role in a safe and appropriate environment," said Mkhize.

The government cherishes its health professionals and have done everything in its power to ensure that they get protection and training, the minister said.

"We have always maintained that we have enough stock for about eight weeks at any one time and this has remained true for the duration of the pandemic- it is just a matter of ensuring that management distributes PPE (personal protective equipment) equitably," he said.

The government is engaging the unions and encouraging them to be involved in the oversight of PPE stock management and this has proven to be a very useful collaboration, Mkhize said.