What was the overall impact of COVID-19 on healthcare facilities in Puerto Rico?

The overall impact of COVID-19 on healthcare facilities in Puerto Rico saw increased patient loads due to a staff shortage. This situation arose because many healthcare workers were either infected, needed to quarantine, or were impacted in other ways by the pandemic, leading to a reduction in available personnel. As COVID-19 cases surged, hospitals and clinics faced an overwhelming number of patients, particularly during peaks of infection. This resulted in strained resources and challenges in providing adequate care, illustrating a significant crisis in healthcare delivery.

While there were efforts to improve healthcare delivery in response to the pandemic, the immediate consequences included not only the overwhelming patient loads but also the difficulty in managing these loads due to staffing issues. The idea that there was no impact at all is inconsistent with the widespread reports of overwhelmed systems across various regions, including Puerto Rico. Similarly, while some facilities did face temporary closures, this was not a universal outcome, making it clear that increased patient loads amid staff shortages accurately captures the essence of the situation.