NEHAWU Western Cape statement on the growing number of infected workers with Covid-19 in the province
30 April 2020
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] in the Western Cape is deeply concerned about the growing number of frontline healthcare workers who are getting infected with COVID-19 while on duty in the province.
It has come to our attention that 12 workers tested positive at the Groote Schuur Hospital after being exposed to the virus while working in the laboratory. As NEHAWU in the province, we condemn the misleading narrative by the employer that the infection of these workers originated from outside the laboratory before it was spread amongst staff members. We have it on good authority that as early as the 6th April 2020 one worker tested positive and that three other workers who were in contact with that worker were told to self-isolate.
We have written to the employer to shut down the entire laboratory and not partially as intended by the management and it must be disinfected as a matter of urgency. We demand that workers are screened and tested regularly to ensure that we stop the spread of the virus and protect workers.
We mourn the passing away of a nurse from COVID-19 complications yesterday. Her passing away should send a clear message to the Department of Health that the health and safety of our members and workers should be a priority. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and colleagues.
The rapid spread of COVID-19 in the province is a cause for concern and our worry is that the provincial government does not seem to have a plan in place to stop the spread of this infectious diseases. As of last night, 1935 people have tested positive in the province and testing is still ongoing.
More than 70 healthcare workers have contracted the virus and the Department of Health is busy twiddling its thumbs while families are losing breadwinners. We call on the department to ensure that there is sufficient PPEs, workers are trained on using PPEs and that all healthcare facilities comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
NEHAWU condemns any under-reporting by employers on the number of infected workers as means to save face. Currently, the employer at Tygerberg Hospital is refusing to subject workers at the D-section to tests after a nurse and her family tested positive. The employer claims that this will have serious cost implications. We find it revolting that the hospital chooses money over human life.
As NEHAWU, we will do everything in our power including using all resources available at our disposal to protect our members and workers.
Issued by NEHAWU WC, 30 April 2020
