COVID-19: US begs doctors, nurses to come for visas, as coronavirus cases surpasses that of China

The U.S. Department of State has announced the decision to hire international medical staff to handle the increasing rate of coronavirus cases in the country.

“We encourage medical professionals seeking work in the U.S. on a work or exchange visitor visa (H or J), particularly those working on #COVID19 issues, to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy/ Consulate for a visa appointment,” said a statement by the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

The U.S. is now the coronavirus infection capital of the world, after surpassing China and Italy last night, with 85,991 confirmed cases, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19 were encouraged to reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment, the statement added.

The State Department also urged foreign medical professionals already in the U.S. to take necessary steps to extend their stay.