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Friday 20 March 2020

Coronavirus: Swaziland hospitals in crisis, PM forms emergency task groups

Hospitals across Swaziland (eSwatini) were in crisis as nurses and healthcare workers were still without protective clothing and equipment so they could treat patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

At least four public hospitals stopped treating patients on Thursday (19 March 2020).

Nurses and others are refusing to work until they get protective equipment such as face masks and gowns. They say their lives are being put at risk.

The four hospitals affected were Mankayane, Mkhuzeni, Raleigh Fitkin Memorial and Mbabane Government Hospital.

On Tuesday nurses marched on the Ministry of Health to deliver a petition demanding they be given protective equipment.

Meanwhile the Swazi Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini announced the formation of a number of committees to tackle the coronavirus crisis. A state of emergency has already been announced and gatherings of more than 50 people are banned. School, colleges and universities are closed and travel restrictions are in place.

See also

Swaziland hospital thrown into confusion as suspected coronavirus patient admitted
Swaziland nurses refuse to treat patients until they get protective equipment
Swaziland King declares state of emergency over coronavirus. Schools closed, foreign travel suspended



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