‘The virus is out and about’ - 150 new COVID cases in seven days

Jamaica has recorded 150 new coronavirus cases in seven days, prompting the Andrew Holness-led government to impose tighter restrictions in a bid to contain the virus.

The country recorded 27 new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which brings the total number to 223. Jamaica has been experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases in the last few days, with the number of confirmed cases moving from 73 on April 13 to the curent 223.

"The virus is out and about. You could walk pass someone and pick up the virus. You could be standing beside someone in the supermarket line and pick up the virus," Prime Minister Andrew Holness said yesterday.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Jaquiline Bisasor McKenzie has confirmed Jamaica's sixth COVID-related death. He is Tara Dasgupta, a retired lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona and was Professor Emeritus of Inorganic Chemistry.

Masks is now mandatory

The increasing threat that the virus poses to the population has prompted the Jamaican Government to tighten containment measures. The wearing of masks is now mandatory in all public places, including public passenger vehicles.

The islandwide curfew hours have been increased. For two weeks, starting today, the curfew will start at 6 p.m. and end at 6 a.m.

Supermarkets, pharmacies and corner shops should be closed at 5 p.m. Pharmacies can remain open, but may only offer pharmaceuticals on 'no movement' days.

All BPOs will be closed for a period of 14 days, as of April 22.

"This was not an easy decision. These operations are not meant to be closed. They're meant to give you 24-hour operations," Holness said. Currently, almost 13,000 BPO workers are currently working from home.

Educational institutions will remain closed until May 31. However, Holness stressed that schooling will continue online.

The country's borders will also remain closed until May 31. This is subject to the controlled re-entry of Jamaican citizens for which a protocol has been established.

Work from home and stay at home orders have also been extended for a further 14 days.

Markets will now be allowed to open all week, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Sundays.

Businesses are also being advised to move their services online, such as the paying of bills and the collection of remittances. Jamaicans are also being advised to start using online services, to avoid being on the road.