OXYGEN SUPPLIES RUN LOW AS JAMAICA GRAPPLES WITH COVID SURGE

Media reports from Jamaica indicate the country is facing dwindling supplies of medical oxygen as the sole supplier, Industrial Gases Limited, has run out of the commodity. The Jamaica Gleaner says IGL will not receive another supply until Monday. Health officials and hospital managers have reportedly been hunkered down in meetings to manage supplies until the situation is remedied. The development comes as the country continues to be affected by a surge in COVID-19 infections. A further 21 deaths were recorded on Saturday from COVID-19, pushing the tally to 1,504, while there were 929 new infections. 728 people are hospitalised, with 88 severely ill and 67 in critical condition.