Toots and the Maytals frontman Toots Hibbert is in intensive care

Toots and the Maytals frontman Frederick “Toots” Hibbert is in intensive care in a Jamaican hospital with a possible case of COVID-19, though this has not yet been diagnosed.

The Jamaican reggae and ska singer is being cared for in a private facility in the country’s capital city Kingston.

His family said he is “resting and in good spirits, and is showing signs of improvement by the hour”.

The family’s full statement says: “While reports of Mr. Hibbert being in an intensive care unit at a private facility in the Corporate Area are true, the family would like to assure those concerned that he 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.

“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.”

Toots and the Maytals released their first album in more than a decade ‘Got To Be Tough’ last week.