(Loop Caribbean News) THE COVID-19 surge in Antigua and Barbuda is pushing the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) to capacity.

The Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, informed government ministers at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting that 77.78 per cent of beds at SLBMC are occupied by COVID-19 patients.

A note from the cabinet meeting said: “Very few beds remain unoccupied at the hospital, putting at risk others who fall ill from causes unrelated to COVID-19. Those sick people will suffer unnecessarily if more beds are taken by Covid-19 patients.”

There are 26 people hospitalised at SLBMC. Four are in intensive care, nine are in the ER and 17 are confined to the COVID Ward.

All of the infected people are unvaccinated, according to the cabinet note. Over 434 men, women and children are currently infected with COVID-19 in Antigua and Barbuda. This is the highest number of active infections in Antigua and Barbuda since March 2020.

Joseph attributed the spike in cases to people who disregarded the COVID-19 protocols and gathered at events such as secret pool parties.

At Thursday’s post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister, Melford Nicholas, said the cabinet has approved more funds to provide more resources to treat patients as well as trace the contacts of infected persons.

From September 6, 75 beds will be available at the National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) on Nugent Avenue to assist with the care of COVID-19 patients.
NTTC was vandalised by thieves who damaged air conditioning units in order to steal copper pipes.

Nicholas said the government had plans to utilise this facility in the past but the COVID-19 numbers in Antigua and Barbuda did not require its use.
He said the Health Ministry and SLBMC will now be tasked with outfitting the facility to ensure patients receive the needed care.