Public hospitals exceed COVID-19 bed capacity
Jan. 22, 2022
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, January 21, 2022: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has reported that COVID-19 beds at public hospitals across the island are now at full capacity. This comes as Jamaica continues to register a daily increase in COVID-19 infections and associated hospital admissions.
For the week of January 14 up to January 20, daily COVID-19 hospitalisation increased from 686 to 828. At the same time, the Ministry’s latest figures show that of the 16,830 healthcare workers, 669 or some 4 per cent have reported ill due to COVID-19.
“I take this opportunity to wish a speedy recovery to all healthcare workers who are ill or otherwise affected by COVID-19. At the same time, Jamaicans must take personal responsibility in lifting the burden off the health system. Follow the COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures – wash hands frequently, keep a physical distance of six feet away from others, wear a mask and get vaccinated. Take the necessary precautions to avoid a hospital visit especially at this time,” noted Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton at the Ministry’s COVID Conversation on Thursday.
On Monday, (January 17) the Ministry announced that starting Wednesday, January 19, all public hospitals would restrict services to emergency-care only. Currently, 14 hospitals are in the red alert zone of COVID-19 isolation capacity. Of this number, nine hospitals – Savanna-la-mar, Port Maria, St. Ann’s Bay, Mandeville Regional, May Pen, Annotto Bay, Lionel Town, University Hospital, and Spanish Town Hospitals have surpassed 100 per cent of their COVID-19 isolation. The remainder are over 85 per cent capacity, affecting their ability to house COVID-19 patients.
Meanwhile, as it relates to general capacity, five hospitals are in the red alert zone, which means that these facilities have exceeded 84 per cent coverage. Another six hospitals are being classified under the amber alert zone, with usage of over 74 per cent of capacity.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to urge Jamaicans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at any of the over 250 access points available across the island.