The workers have since written the district commissioner and the director of health and social services to address challenges of inadequate protective equipment and training among others.

Their representative, Gladson Gunda, says their lives are at risk being front line workers.

Gunda says the contraction of the virus by the health workers is a proof of lack of preventive measures among front line workers in the country.

“We are the people who meet the patients and those exposed. We need to be protected all the time which is not the case now,’ he said.

Part of the petition reads; “we are, therefore, making a fearless communication to you that if all our grievances will fail to  be attended to by 31 May, 2020, all the junior staff under Blantyre District Health Office shall go on a sit in without fear of any form of intimidation,” reads the petition.

Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Gift Kawalazira said they will meet the disgruntled workers on Friday to discuss the matter.

Seven health workers have been tested COVID-19 positive in Blantyre.