Liberian hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients

Health Minister Wilhelmina Jallah has disclosed that public hospitals in Liberia are overwhelmed with patients due to surging cases of the new COVID-19 variant over the last two weeks.

She said 257 cases were recorded last week, while 196 have been reported within the last four days.

Jallah informed the cabinet on Thursday that hospitals are currently full with people experiencing breathing difficulties.

"It is alarming to note that since the third wave began, there has been a surge in the number of cases. As we speak, public hospitals are full with patients… and there are no beds for people who have COVID-19," Jallah said.

However, President George Weah addressing the nation late Thursday evening said, "This surge in cases is far more alarming than a year ago when we were experiencing the first wave, and we are told that this new COVID-19 variant is even more deadly than the two previous strains experienced since last March."

Weah said his government will take appropriate action aimed at addressing the threatening situation.

According to the health authorities, Liberia has to date confirmed 2,862 cases of COVID-19, with 95 confirmed deaths and 12 suspected deaths.