(CMR) Public hospitals in Jamaica are only accepting emergency cases as all hospitals have exceeded their capacities due to the hospitalization of a large number of COVID-19 patients.
In a release on Friday, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said general services were suspended immediately, and only emergency cases will be seen.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie said, “Most hospitals are over the capacity of beds designed for COVID-19 management. As such, general hospital beds are being used for COVID-19 care. The rising demand for oxygen also threatens t overwhelm the supply.”
The hospitals will also suspend all elective surgeries and will discharge patients who can receive home care. Persons are asked not to visit the hospitals unless it is an emergency. Members of the public were encouraged to stay off the roads to avoid accidents.
Up to Thursday, 739 COVID-19 positive patients were in hospitals; Of that number, 189 were moderately ill, 92 severely ill, and 61 critically ill.
The Ministry of Health continues to urge persons to get vaccinated as the COVID-19 vaccines have proven to reduce the severity of illness, hospitalization, and death.
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