Antioquia declares red hospital alert

Antioquia again declared a red alert in the hospital network, due to the increase in the occupancy of ICU beds, due to the increase in cases of coronavirus. The first time the measure was issued was on July 30, when infections were on the rise.

“In the previous alert, the system was not as prepared as today. But in that equation the quarantine continued. Today, with the open economy, we have more levels of contagion than in the previous situation, ”said Aníbal Gaviria, Governor of Antioquia.

Gaviria added that the measure was taken after a two-hour meeting with experts and members of his cabinet.

“We have made the decision to declare the red alert because in the Metropolitan Area the occupation of ICU beds has been five consecutive days above 80%”, expressed the governor at the press conference.

The number of official cases in the department is 149,192, with 1,739 new infections for October 22 and 29 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of people who have died from the virus in the department is 2,940.

The governor reported that this level has been going on for more than five consecutive days, so the decision was made to avoid a “takeover” of the health system.

Also, I add what interventions, surgical procedures and non-urgent procedures are suspended, in order to have the necessary and available staff to care for patients with covid-19.

“We will maintain, as we have been doing, all efforts to increase the number of intermediate respiratory care units (ICU) and the number of intensive care units (ICU) in the department”Said Lina Bustamante, Secretary of Health.

Gaviria added that the departmental health secretary and the government secretary, Luis Fernando Suárez, will be working to achieve said increase. Therefore, it is expected by next week to be referring to that increase more clearly.

“We have to continue increasing that number, even if it is gradually five, ten, fifteen new beds and inform the public of this growth”, explained.

Another important factor, mentioned by the governor, was the celebration of Halloween.

“I want to appeal to the responsibility of Antioqueños, who have the responsibility to take care of themselves (…) Unfortunately this is not the time for celebrations in houses or urbanizations with children. We have to protect children. Halloween parties should not be held, as in other years, “he added.

On the other hand, the mayor of Medellín, Daniel Quintero, referred to the situation on his twitter account.