A report of World Health Organization (WHO) states that 22,073 positive cases of COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) from 52 countries have been reported to the organization as of 8 April, 2020.
However, due to the lack of systematic reporting regarding the number of HCWs infected with COVID-19 at present, the stated number probably under-represents the true number of COVID-19 positive HCWs globally, WHO has said.
To protect frontline Healthcare Workers, WHO has stressed the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment like masks, goggles, gloves, and gowns.
Italy has the highest number of infection number among Healthcare Workers with 15,314 infections as per a 10 April, 2020 situation report by WHO.
Preliminary results suggest Healthcare Workers are being infected both in the workplace and in the community, most often through infected family members.
According to WHO, the correct use of PPE is critical, in particular wearing appropriate PPE for the clinical setting, paying special attention to procedures to put on and remove PPE correctly, and adhering to hand hygiene and other IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) measures.
Frontline Healthcare Workers in Nepal are also at tremendous risk as they are exposed to suspected coronavirus infected patients without proper PPE and substandard gears.
