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'Every bed full' as COVID surge goes on

Tue, Jul 27th 2021, 03:31 PM
Covid-19 Tribune Stories

PUBLIC Hospitals Authority Managing Director Catherine Weech said officials are making makeshift arrangements to handle COVID-19 patients because "every bed is full".

In a press statement yesterday, Mr Davis made a push for people to receive vaccination against the virus, adding the decision to do so remained a personal one.
#He stressed that this was the only way for protection from this serious disease and hospitalisation.
#“As we are all aware, the Emergency Orders restrict campaigning and canvassing to vaccinated individuals,” Mr Davis said in a brief statement.
#“The Competent Authority permits many activities which pose a much greater risk of transmission of COVID. As we examine avenues for legal recourse, we ask that you follow the Emergency Orders. Candidates and their teams cannot campaign if unvaccinated.”
#He continued: “However, although you are — for the moment — restricted from campaigning, the right to free speech has not been extinguished. You are free to converse with Bahamians about any topics you wish, including the economic and health crisis.
#“The government has failed badly to prepare the country for the Delta variant. We are facing a serious health crisis, one that is already overwhelming the public health system and is likely to seriously worsen.
#“The decision regarding vaccination remains a personal one. We continue to encourage all to get vaccinated. This remains the best way to protect yourself from serious disease and hospitalisation.”
#Mr Davis’ statement followed that of party chairman Fred Mitchell who said the PLP will not change its campaign protocols to comply with new rules requiring campaigners be vaccinated and their groups be no larger than five.
#Health Minister Renward Wells announced the rules during a press conference on Friday.

Her comments follow similar comments health officials made during Friday’s press conference.

“Every bed is full,” Mrs Weech said. “We have to work with overflow. We are using the general practice clinic. We are at maximum capacity. We have to make makeshift arrangements to accommodate patients. What the public has to understand is this is something we can beat together. Follow international recommendations like get vaccinated.

“Refrain from social gatherings. Exercise some caution. Young people stop, give us a break. We are tired. The system only has so much. We have staff exposed.”

Mrs Weech said the hospitals have been overwhelmed like this “for a long time”.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is expected to address the country at 8pm tomorrow regarding the measures his administration will implement to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Dr Minnis will announce a series of measures to assist with care of people in hospital with COVID-19, steps to limit the further spread of the virus and an update on the country’s efforts to secure more vaccines.

The announcement comes as two additional deaths, and 100 new cases of the virus were recorded Friday. The country also recorded 133 cases on Sunday.

PHA over the weekend responded to a viral video of patients staying on the porch of the Critical Care Block.

PHA said, “The area identified in photos and video is the triage site for the Accident & Emergency Departmen

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