Health Minister visits UHWI amidst increased COVID-19 cases among health team
Jan. 17, 2022
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, January 14, 2022: The Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton on Friday visited the University Hospital of the West Indies following reports of increased numbers of healthcare workers being affected by COVID-19.
A reported 10% or approximately 200 of the medical staff are out due to the virus while the COVID-19 areas within the Emergency Medicine Division, including the Field Hospital, are at capacity.
“The growing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations over the past two weeks is cause for major concern. When we see our frontline workers also contracting the virus, after fulfilling their duties of offering care and assistance to those infected, it means that they have to take the time to recover and others from other departments have to double their duties which, in turn, impacts the service delivery of the hospitals,” noted Dr. Tufton.
The Minister has urged members of the public to get vaccinated and to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control measures, namely mask wearing, physical distancing and frequent handwashing and sanitising. Persons who feel unwell are reminded to stay home.
Meanwhile, patients visiting the UHWI have been advised to expect delays.
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