Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has called on retired healthcare workers to return to work to help with Covid-19.
“The Western Cape has already placed advertisements for nurses to apply. There are no restrictions on how many will be employed. “
He says the help of retired healthcare workers is also urgently needed. Because they are more vulnerable to the viral disease, retired workers will be employed in a way that will reduce their risk of infection.
Unemployed doctors and nurses registered with the Professional Health Council are also being asked to apply now.
Mkhize says data models on the distribution of Covid-19 show that the Western Cape, despite all its preparatory work, will not have enough beds in time when the outbreak reaches its peak.
However, these forecasts have not been poured into concrete and could still change a lot.
Mkhize says the national government will assist the Western Cape with more resources, as this province is expected to reach the peak of Covid-19 before other provinces.
Mkhize says he is not too concerned about the backlog of tests being experienced in South Africa, as the country has had backlogs in the pas
