COVID-19: 779 health workers infected, nine dead, many others in isolation

A joint statement issued by the Health Sector Unions and Professional Associations suggest that, as at 30th June, 779 health workers have so far been infected with Covid-19 and nine have died from the virus.

“As at 30th June 2020, over seven hundred and seventy-nine (779) health workers had contracted the COVID- 19 virus in the line of duty with a total of nine (9) deaths having occurred so far. A large number of health workers are also currently in isolation awaiting their test results after having been exposed to the virus at their places of work.”

“The data gathered so far indicates that; 190 members of the GMA (Doctors) have contracted the virus with 4 unfortunate deaths. 410 members of the GRNMA and its Allied Associations (Nurses and Midwives) have contracted the virus with 1 unfortunate death. 156 members of the HSWU have contracted the virus with 3 unfortunate deaths. 23 members of the GHOSPA have contracted the virus with 1 unfortunate death,” the statement noted.

The health sector unions blamed the government’s management of the worrying lapses in which as amounted to this situation.

“Non-disclosure or concealment of information from health workers by facility managers when colleagues test positive for COVID-19 at the workplace… Delays in the receipt of COVID-19 test results for patients being managed onwards resulting in increased exposure of health personnel to the virus,” they mentioned in their statement.

They expressed worry that the rising number of positive cases among health workers place serious pressure on the few workers still on duty.

Source: GhanaFeed.com