The International Council of Nurses (ICN) estimated that by October 2020, at least 1,500 nurses had died since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the real figure is likely to be much higher given relevant data was only collected from 44 of the world’s 195 countries. This is a sacrifice of unimaginable proportion.

The WHO’s decision reflects the gratitude and appreciation expressed at an international level towards the devoted health and care workers at the forefront of the pandemic working tirelessly to care for the community and stop the spread of COVID-19.

“In 2020 we could not have been prouder of every nurse, midwife, and care worker. In 2021, we look forward to celebrating these collective efforts further as part of the International Year of Health and Care Workers,” said ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd.

Updates correct as at 7 January 2021.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary