By Chantalé Fletcher
A new Covid-19 facility opens in Lowlands, Tobago, to treat step-down patients.
This according to the Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection Dr Faith Yisrael, who spoke in a press media conference on Wednesday.
She said, “The new facility in Lowlands will house some of our Covid-19 patients, who require medical care but were not critical, due to its location which these persons do not require treatment in the hospital’s the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).”
Dr Yisarel also described the Covid-19 situation in Tobago as critical and warned Tobagoians to follow the public health protocols and get vaccinated.
She said, “I am aware of the public commentary as, since the election, my phone has been inundated with calls and messages from external clients and internal clients about how dire the situation has been.
“We have been treating with Covid-19 a little under two years and it seems to have gotten worse especially when looking at the number of cases as it relates to Covid-19 on the island.”
Dr Yisarel stated that the overall daily Covid-19 numbers were sky-rocketing.
“We need to put systems in place to deal with those activities within the healthcare system and outside as it relates to protecting our patients, families. However, I am particularly interested in protecting our internal clients, all of the health professionals that are part of the system.”
She stated that the facilities related to health and wellness were very close to capacity such as 90% and 80%.
Dr Yisarel said, “This meant, as we go along and people get sicker, we are going to reach the point where we will not have sufficient bed spaces for the people who need it.”
Meanwhile, she thanked the owners of the new facility for the availability of the building and the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) who worked tirelessly to ensure the facility would be up before the end of the day.
Dr Yisarel warned that if persons did not take precautions, and follow the health protocols, the new facility may become overwhelmed as well.
