On Friday (Feb 14), it was revealed that 1,716 healthcare workers in China had been infected by the corronavirus, six of whom had died, according to China's National Health Commission (NHC). 87.5% of those medics came from Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital.
In Wuhan alone, the epicenter of the noval corronavirus outbreak, 1,102 medical workers have been infected.
Healthcare workers have long faced a high risk of infection during major outbreaks, including the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic that swept China from late 2002 to 2003.
The Wuhan government has acknowledged the shortage of medical supplies, such as specialist N95 respiratory masks, goggles and protective suits.
Hospitals across Wuhan have pleaded for help repeatedly on social media, calling for more donations of the protective gear, which are vital in protecting frontline staff from catching the virus from patients.
- Source: News websites
