President of the Medical Association of Jamaica, MAJ, Dr. Brian James says health care professionals could experience more severe burn-out during the current fourth Covid-19 wave.

In previous Covid-19 waves, there were high numbers of hospitalizations, resulting in health care professionals being under immense pressure.

Speaking with Irie Fm News, Dr. James said while the Omicron variant -which is driving the fourth wave-may not result in a high hospitalization rate, it is more contagious, which means once someone catches it, they will have to isolate.

He said a number of health care professionals are already out sick, which could put severe strain on those at work.

Dr. James said persons must understand that Covid-19 is real and obey the protocols.