The Kabylie region of Algeria is experiencing a worrying surge in COVID-19 cases, with hospitals in Tizi-Ouzou and Bouira approaching capacity. According to reports, the number of new cases detected in these two wilayas has exceeded the usual average, sparking concerns among health authorities. In Béjaïa, the situation has been dire for several weeks. The recent increase in cases has highlighted the failure of prevention measures, including the "operational command plan" implemented in Tizi-Ouzou.
In Tizi-Ouzou, a record 29 positive cases were detected in a single day last week, while in Bouira, the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 at the infectious diseases unit of the local hospital has tripled in just one week. This surge has prompted the health authorities to open two new units at hospitals in Aïn-Bessem and Sour El-Ghozlane, with a combined capacity of 50 beds. However, these beds are already fully occupied by patients who have tested positive for the virus.
The health authorities in Bouira are preparing to open two more units at hospitals in M'chedallah and Lakhdaria, and are also increasing the capacity of the three existing units. Despite these efforts, the situation remains critical, with 89 patients currently being treated for COVID-19 in the wilaya. The total number of positive cases in Bouira has now exceeded 200 since the start of the pandemic, with over 300 people in isolation at home.
Health authorities are worried about the emergence of new hotspots, particularly in the town of Aïn-Bessem, which now has the highest number of positive cases. The rapid spread of the disease is attributed to a lack of respect for protection measures and social distancing, particularly with the reopening of certain businesses. The situation is dire, with many citizens ignoring the obligations of social distancing, mask-wearing, and confinement.
Medical professionals are urging citizens to respect health measures and for local authorities to take action to enforce confinement and prevention measures. A doctor at the COVID-19 unit of Aïn-Bessem hospital stated that the result of ignoring health measures is evident in the hospitals, with a frightening increase in the number of people infected and a new rate of contamination.
Since February, 98 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Bouira, while 16 have died. In Tizi-Ouzou, where only a dozen deaths have been reported, medical practitioners are expressing concern about the reappearance of severe cases among hospitalized patients. The situation is being closely monitored by health authorities, who are working to contain the spread of the virus.
The surge in COVID-19 cases in Kabylie has raised concerns about the effectiveness of prevention measures and the ability of hospitals to cope with the influx of patients. The authorities are working to increase hospital capacity and enforce health measures, but citizens are being urged to take responsibility for their own health and that of those around them.
Key points
- Hospitals in Tizi-Ouzou and Bouira are struggling to cope with a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases.
- The surge in cases is attributed to a lack of respect for protection measures and social distancing.
- Health authorities are working to increase hospital capacity and enforce health measures to contain the spread of the virus.
