It’s early days yet, but the hospitals in the western region are not seeing concerning numbers of COVID-19 patients, despite an increase in the country’s cases and positivity rate. 365 cases of the virus were recorded yesterday at a positivity rate of 32 point 5 per cent.
Many, including health experts believe this is due to the presence of the omicron variant in the country, but that is yet to be confirmed. Medical personnel are cautiously optimistic as they prepare for a dreaded fourth wave of infections.
Up to Wednesday December 29, 97 persons had been hospitalized with covid-19 across the island. According to Clinical Coordinator for the Western Regional Health Authority, Dr. Delroy Fray, hospitalizations in the region remain low.
He says this is no excuse for reckless behaviour, adding that strict observance of the protocols is critical in keeping infections at bay. He reiterates that Cornwall Regional Hospital is among those in full preparation mode for an expected fourth wave of the virus.
The President of the Medical Association of Jamaica, Dr. Brian James has urged the Prime Minister to tighten the 1 am curfew for New Year’s Eve, as well as better enforce the general public gathering limit of 10 people in light of the country’s increased positivity rate.
