Sambatha says these workers are the last line of defence and they must always be protected.

On Thursday, Sambatha visited Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital near Jouberton which has been designated as the Covid-19 treatment centre for the province.

He says his visit to the hospital follows after he received a complaint of lack of hot water in the ward.

The province so far has 25 confirmed positive cases, 13 recoveries and zero deaths.

"I can safely report that the ward now has a new geyser and isolated Covid-19 suspects now have hot water, " he adds.

Sambatha also announced that a doctor in Klerksdorp who earlier tested positive for the coronavirus is amongst 13 people who have recovered from the virus.

This doctor is said to have come in contact with 100 people which include 56 patients in three hospitals based in Klerksdorp.

Sambatha said these 56 patients were tested for the virus. He says although two showed symptoms, their results also came back negative.

During his visit to the complex, Sambatha further announced that 44 healthcare workers who are colleagues of the doctor have also tested negative for the virus after being put on a self-quarantine program.

Meanwhile, earlier this month Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, said no health professional will be forced to work in an area where they do not feel protected.

Mkhize said that staff needed to be protected and safe.

At least 143 570 tests have thus far been conducted at public and private laboratories.

So far 3 953 people have been confirmed positive across all nine provinces, while 75 people lost their lives due to the virus.

OFM News