Over 22,000 Healthcare Workers Infected By COVID-19: WHO

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit over 22,000 healthcare workers across 52 countries and regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

GURUGRAM, INDIA - APRIL 3: Doctors and medical workers in protective face masks and PPE suits, on day ten of the national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, at Civil Hospital Sector 10, on April 3, 2020 in Gurugram, India. (Photo by Yogendra Kumar)

Geneva: The COVID-19 pandemic has hit over 22,000 healthcare workers across 52 countries and regions, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. According to its daily situation report on Saturday, 22,073 COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers have been reported to the WHO as of Wednesday, April 8, Xinhua news agency reported. The report said the number is probably under-represented as there is so far no systematic reporting of infections among healthcare workers to the WHO. Preliminary results suggest healthcare workers are being infected both in the workplace and in the community, most often through infected family members. To protect frontline healthcare workers, the WHO stressed the correct use of personal protective equipment like masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns. Noting the risk of burnout among healthcare providers, the WHO called for respecting their rights to decent working conditions.