Singer Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert, the iconic frontman of reggae act Toots and the Maytals, is said to be "making positive progress" after being admitted to intensive care in Kingston, Jamaica with suspected Covid-19.
A statement from the 77-year-old's representative said: "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.
Some news on Toots. pic.twitter.com/9YETBz458i
— Toots & The Maytals (@tootsmaytals) August 31, 2020
"His family has asked everyone to hold him in their prayers, and would like to thank 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."
The Press Association reports that the newspaper The Jamaica Gleaner said Hibbert had been admitted to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties.
Toots and the Maytals, who are scheduled to play Dublin's Olympia Theatre next September, released their first album in a decade, Got to Be Tough, last week.
They are best known for the hits Pressure Drop, Monkey Man and 54-46 (That's My Number). Their 1968 hit Do the Reggay is credited with giving the reggae genre its name.
