COVID-19: Ramaphosa worries over strain put on healthcare facilities
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed worry over the strain put on the country's health facilities by the increasing COVD-19 cases. SA is sitting with 276 242 confirmed cases according to the NICD.
"We have heard of instances where people who are infected have been turned away from health facilities due to a lack of beds or essential supplies," he said.
He added that this is deeply worrying as it means government have to move with even greater urgency to strengthen their strategy to manage the peak of infections.
Ramaphosa addressed the nation last night on developments in the country’s risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of the virus. He says a number of measures are in place to make hospital beds available.
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Ramaphosa said ward capacity is being freed up in a number of hospitals by delaying non-urgent care, the conversion of some areas of hospitals into additional ward space and the erection of field hospitals.
"We are working to increase supplies of oxygen, ventilators and other equipment for those who will need critical care, including by diverting the supply of oxygen from other purposes."
