Over 22,000 healthcare workers infected by COVID-19: WHO

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.

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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.

UN chief makes special appeal to religious leaders over COVID-19

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a special appeal to religious leaders of all faiths to join forces to work for peace around the world and focus on the fight against COVID-19.

"I do so at a special time on the spiritual calendar. For Christians, it is the celebration of Easter. Jews are marking Passover. And soon, Muslims will begin the holy month of Ramadan," said Guterres in a video message on Saturday. "I extend my warmest wishes to all those observing these important moments."

Those occasions used to be moments of community, of families coming together, of hugs and handshakes and the gathering of humanity, he noted, reported Xinhua news agency.

"But this is a time like no other. We are all seeking to navigate a strange, surreal world -- a world of silent streets, shuttered storefronts, empty places of worship, and a world of worry."

Guterres asked religious leaders to take inspiration from the essence of those holy occasions as moments for reflection, remembrance and renewal.

"As we reflect, let us spare a special thought for heroic health workers on the front lines battling this awful virus, and for all those working to keep our cities and towns going.

"Let us remember the most vulnerable of the vulnerable around the world. Those in war zones and refugee camps and slums and all those places least equipped to fight the virus.

Also Read: COVID-19: UN Chief Guterres Calls For Unity Of Security Council

"And let us renew our faith in one another, and draw strength from the good that is gathering in troubled times as communities of diverse faiths and ethical traditions unite to care for one another."

"Together, we can and will defeat this virus -- with cooperation, solidarity, and faith in our common humanity," said Guterres.

(IANS)