Unvaccinated health workers who contract Covid-19 in the line of duty after July 14 will no longer receive special compensation which the Government has been paying those affected, while the 80 percent who have been vaccinated remain covered if they fall sick.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting that the Government had been paying US$1 000 and US$600 depending on grade for each health worker who falls sick but now those who remain unvaccinated are considered a health threat to colleagues and patients.

Last week, Treasury released $75 million towards the compensation.

Of the 4 444 health workers so far infected,432 have already received their payouts.

The Health Services Board (HSB) has approved the payments to another 2 196 with funds already allocated able to cover about 1 367 workers so further allocations are required.

“Noting that the frontline staff were given an opportunity to vaccinate ahead of others, the nation is advised that a considerable number of frontline workers, 20 percent, have still not presented themselves for vaccination,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.- The Herald