DURBAN - The health system in KwaZulu-Natal is on the verge of collapse.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) says people are dying on stretchers while waiting for beds.
The union says there's no capacity to admit patients.
Denosa's Provincial Secretary, Mandla Shabangu spoke to eNCA outside Wentworth Hospital.
"The situation is getting out of control. Since the beginning of December, this hospital has been experiencing lots of positive cases when it comes to staff and patients. Many healthcare workers are in isolation or quarantine."
Shabangu says in some cases, wards of 55 patients, will be looked after by just two nurses.
South Africa has recorded 9,580 new COVID-19 infections taking the cumulative total to over 1-million.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would be on an adjusted Level 3, from Level 1, with immediate effect.
Watch the interview with Denosa's Provincial Secretary, Mandla Shabangu in the video above.
