"As essential workers we put our lives in danger, but we don't get a risk allowance or full personal protective equipment," said the nurse. Because of the shortage of staff at her hospital, she was forced to work extra shifts.
A nurse at a clinic in Daveyton on the East Rand said although she worked in a smaller facility she faced more pressure because of the many patients needing care.
"The clinic I work at caters for many people, and because there are mushrooming informal settlements everywhere, we never have enough staff," said the nurse, adding that the clinic experienced long queues and some people were turned away at closing time.
"We also have cases that cannot be accommodated at clinic level because our clinic is small and does not have facilities."