Isolation Unit for COVID-19 cases in place at hospital
The entire third floor at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital has been transformed into a ‘special’ Isolation Unit for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Health Minister Carvin Malone said the unit is “to handle and support of confirmed cases” who are deemed to require hospital administration.
“The unit has 14 beds and will be expanded to 18 and has designated staffing with considerations for infection control and removal of personal protective equipment as well as an area for staff to shower and change before leaving the unit,” Malone said during an address to the nation on Thursday night.
In the meantime, the Health Minister said, the Emergency Room at the Road Town-based facility, has been reconfigured to provide rapid identification, isolation and handling of patients who may have COVID-19.
“Remember 95 percent of the cases are deemed to be mild and will not require hospitalization,” he added.
The territory recorded its first two cases of the COVID-19 on Wednesday from two male patients — a 56-year-old and 32-year-old — who were tested among 27 persons overall.
The remaining 25 persons had negative test results, while nine others are awaiting official test results from Trinidad.
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2 tested positive 25 tested negative and 9 awaiting results = 36
On another note, how many ventilators we have?
6 ventilators
What about the homeless that is living on the streets? They don’t have access to hygiene products and water. Mr. Health Minister, please try and hand out out a little package of hygienic products, hand sanitizers and water to the homeless on the street. This will also help limit and cut down the spread of the virus. And people, you can also help. Please don’t look down on or scorn the homeless.
That is such a great idea and I totally agree. The homeless is out here on the streets exposed to every thing. If this is done, it can at least help stop the spread of the virus that we all want to just go away and leave us alone.We are all being held hostage by this virus.
The planned 6-day, 24 hours per day stay at home curfew is a small contribution to the war effort. Indeed, the VI, along with the rest of the globe, is at war with the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. In war, men and women deploy to the battle field, others work in factories to support the war effort, many endure shortages in goods and services, and many more endure other sacrifices to support the war effort in taking the fight to the enemy. To win the battles and the war, all residents must endure some sacrifices.
There is no cure nor vaccine for the Coronavirus that is highly contagious and easily spread from person to person. With the absence of a cure and a vaccine, the best action to prevent, contain, control and mitigate the virus is social distancing. Social distancing is critical in preventing contracting the disease and perhaps overwhelming the hospital/health system.
An overwhelmed hospital means a shortage of beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, doctors, nurses, technicians, other healthcare providers among other things. Further, an overwhelmed hospital may mean that healthcare providers may have the unenviable choice of determining who to treat. This is a nightmarish situation that must be avoided at all cost. Thus, every resident must do his/her part to avoid contracting the disease.
Moreover, the Coronavirus is a serious disease that does not discriminate. It does not care about one’s sex, religion, ethnicity, disability, geographical location, political philosophy, national origin, place of birth, financial or other statuses. Thus far, there are approx 533, 942 cases confirmed globally, including Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and Boris Johnson, UK PM, along with 24,015 deaths. The government is leading from the front and with the collective effort and cooperation of all residents the war can be won. These are unprecedented times for the VI and the collective effort of all residents are needed to take the fight to enemy———-Coronavirus——— and defeat it.
“An overwhelmed hospital means a shortage of beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, doctors, nurses, technicians, other healthcare providers among other things. Further, an overwhelmed hospital may mean that healthcare providers may have the unenviable choice of determining who to treat. This is a nightmarish situation that must be avoided at all cost.” Virgin Islanders, this is real talk, not chicken little the sky is falling. Imagine doctors having to determine treat only patients who stand the best chance of survival. Everyone must take this situation seriously and do everything practical to avoid catching the virus.
Indeed, the hospital being overwhelmed by the Coronavirus is a nightmarish situation. It should scare the hell out of every VI resident. As such, what is the government doing to surge the capacity of the health system? The Coronavirus is a pulmonary disease that impacts the lungs, ie, ventilators are critical to keeping people alive. How many ventilators does the D. Orlando Smith Hospital have in inventory? Along with ventilators, the health system must surge beds, nurses, doctors, lab techs……..etc.
Governor Jaspert has indicated that the UK is committed to providing medical material support. Well, that material should now be either on site or on the way. The territory can’t wait for a major outbreak to occur to start the logistics for getting the material to the territory. There is a fierce urgency of now.
[Lets lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff like buffaloes]
I doubt the lock down will end on Thursday. Eat small, stretch out you food and TP. Just sayin
The government will let us out for 2 days and then back in for 6. They should make some allowance for exercise – social distancing, walking alone, time period (say 15 minutes.
I feel bad for the health care workers, the police and other essential workers, they are at the fore front of everything. Then you have these idiots out here not taking heed. I bet the above mentioned would appreciate being able to stay at home with their families during this time of crisis but unfortunately that is not an option.