Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacqueline Bisasor-McKenzie, has pointed out that major hospitals on the island are over 90 per cent in general occupancy following the spike in COVID-19 cases over the last three weeks.

In an interview on Nationwide, Bisasor-McKenzie revealed that of the 700 beds allocated for COVID-19, 572 beds are now occupied with people that are confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19.

Additionally, hospital admissions for COVID-19 are over 70 per day on average.

She also noted that the 700 beds that were allocated for COVID-19 will require additional beds as the case count each day is expected to exceed capacity.

The CMO pointed out that some health care workers in every parish have contracted COVID-19, which she indicated is not only found in hospitals but also clinics and vaccination sites. She noted, however, that different facilities are affected at different levels.

“Health care facilities are more managed spaces, with greater access to PPEs, which allows for more control,” she said.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently reviewing protocols for going back to work, with safety and continued provision of services in mind,” Bisasor-McKenzie added.

Additionally, Bisasor-McKenzie noted that the number of children being affected by COVID-19 hasn’t changed but because large numbers are being infected, we are seeing high numbers of children with COVID. She pointed out that there is a chance that the number of hospitalisations has increased.

Bisasor-McKenzie also noted that Bustamante Children’s Hospital is seeing more COVID-19 admissions, with children in all the groups – moderately, severely, and critically ill.

The death toll, however, has not increased.