Employees at the Scarborough General Hospital in Tobago have reported that staff is continuing to contract the Covid-19 virus by the dozens. They shared with PSA their ongoing concerns as they stated, “every week is an outbreak.” One source specifically described the rise in positive Covid-19 cases at the surgical ward as overwhelming.

Employees at the hospital via phone interview with PSA Media this morning said that patients were coming to the hospital and contracting the virus. They indicated that staff was being swabbed and told to return to work and self monitor whilst waiting for their results. This, they said, encouraged employees who would later test positive for the virus to engage in socializing with patients and other staff, causing a greater and continued outbreak at the hospital.

Public Services Association (PSA), Industrial Relations Officer (IRO), Hayden Darren Duke, recently reported that the Covid-19 outbreak took place in the: Medical Ward, Medical Records Area, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Maternity Ward, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department.

He stated then that the speed at which positive Covid-19 cases were being reported at the hospital, would suggest that at least 50 plus persons were Covid positive. He had indicated that the numbers might only increase as testing amongst staff was ongoing. IRO Duke said that he would be closely investigating the matter and addressing it with management for the best interest of workers, patients and the larger public.

“It is imperative for the safety of workers and patients that the system is fixed. I will be monitoring and investigating this closely, ” said IRO Duke.