PARAMEDICS have urged the community to wear masks as health facilities grapple with the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.
Director of Advance Life Support paramedics, Garrith Jaimeson said both private and government facilities are diverting patients.
“Multiple patients have fallen ill and with multiple ambulances being used to transport these sick people, the biggest problem paramedics are finding is that there is minimal space at these facilities. At times paramedics are going out to asses these patients and then liaising with the patient’s doctor as some facilities are on complete divert,” he said.
Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, said walk-in patients are still being accepted at Addington Hospital but those who are picked up by ambulances are diverted to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial and King Edward VIII hospitals.
Also read: Covid-19: ‘We are ready for second wave’ – KZN Health MEC
“The number of admissions is increasing daily, but we are confident that we will be able to cope. We are ready, thanks to the staff that we recruited and extra bed capacity that has been prepared throughout the province,” said Simelane-Zulu
The MEC confirmed that KwaZulu-Natal is facing a resurgence, or ‘second wave’ of Covid-19 infections, which she attributed to people becoming “complacent.”
Jamieson urged the community to wear a mask at all times.
“I would personally avoid social gatherings. The second wave is here and is spreading rapidly. By attending gatherings you are adding to the problem,” he said.
While paramedics continue to respond to patients with Covid-19 symptoms, the community can also opt to use a self testing facility, said Jamieson.
Also read: Covid-19 infections rise among Durban healthcare workers
“There are multiple drive through facilities which people may go and test themselves and I am aware of doctors authorizing it online for their patients,” he said.
As of Sunday, KZN has reported 1613 new Covid – 19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to 139 366.
Covid-19 infections among healthcare workers has also climbed with at least 38 staff members at Addington Hospital and 23 at RK Khan Hospital testing positive.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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