Toots Hibbert has been admitted to an intensive care unit

“The family would like to assure those concerned that he is making positive progress and is receiving the best possible treatment.”

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Update (7/9/20): Hibbert’s family has shared a statement on Twitter confirming he is now in a stable condition.

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Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals has been admitted to the intensive care unit of a private facility in Kingston, Jamaica.

His manager has told the Jamaica Gleaner daily newspaper that the reggae star, aged 77, was admitted following breathing difficulties, and is currently waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

While understandably concerned for Hibbert’s condition and the risk of possible complications, his family has shared a statement via the band’s social media pages confirming that the singer “is making positive progress and is receiving the best possible treatment, while he awaits the results on his COVID-19 test. He is resting and in good spirits, and is showing signs of improvement by the hour.”

The statement continues: “His family has asked everyone to hold him in their prayers, and would like to thank the Minister of Culture Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and Minister of Health Christopher Tufton for their assistance in getting Mr. Hibbert tested, as well as the countless medical professionals who are taking care of Mr. Hibbert around the clock during this time.”

Just last week Toots and the Maytals released their first studio album  in 10 years, called Got To Be Tough.

Read the full statement from the family below.

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This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.

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