The health sector continues to operate in emergency mode. 

Assessments are being undertaken, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa which wreaked havoc across the country.

The Health Ministry says three hospitals were impacted severely, and cannot accept patients at this time.

They are Noel Holmes in Hanover, Falmouth in Trelawny and Black River in St. Elizabeth.

The ministry says it has coordinated with the National Works Agency and the Jamaica Defence Force to have patients moved to Mandeville from the Black River Hospital.

The ministry says once the situation has been assessed, it will be better able to act and provide the care the hospitals, staff, and patients need.

It notes that all other hospitals are open but operate in emergency mode to provide critical care only.

Non-emergency services are suspended temporarily, as staff manage  emergency cases and stabilize operations amid challenges related to power supply  and infrastructure damage.

Meanwhile, all health centres remain closed  until further notice.

Members of the public who had clinic appointments scheduled for this week, are asked not to visit health centres at this time.

New appointment dates  will be set once facilities are cleared, reopened  and safe for service delivery.

Persons with chronic illnesses who are in urgent need  of medication are asked to check official ministry channels for updates on mobile pharmacy or outreach services.

The Health Ministry says it is conducting assessments across the health network and is coordinating  with regional health authorities and the national emergency operations centre to restore full services as quickly and as safely as possible.