Tufton: Jamaica has entered community transmission phase of COVID-19

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, has declared that Jamaica has entered the community transmission phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

He made the announcement at a COVID Conversations virtual press conference this afternoon.

"In making this declaration we are alerting the public that the transmission of the virus can no longer be easily traced from one member of the population to the other and that the concern for the transmission for COVID-19 is now island wide," he said.

He added that this change in the phase of the pandemic may mean that over the next six to eight weeks, the population may see a steep rise in the number of cases reported. 

"While the majority of persons will not have symptoms that will require them to visit a doctor or be hospitalised; more persons are expected to seek medical attention in private and public facilities. This stage of the pandemic will also mean that we will need to strengthen the Infection Prevention and Control measures to reduce the rate of spread within the population and more importantly protect the vulnerable," Tufton said.

In a series of tweets posted to his twitter account, Dr Tufton said discussions with  Prime Minister Andrew Holness will result in new measures that will come into effect on Monday, September 7, 2020.  Some of these new measures may include:

• The increase in the curfew restrictions to 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. across the island
• An increase in the stay at home orders for the elderly
• Re-emphasis on the work from orders for the private and public sector
• Restrictions on public gathering.

"I must state that there is no need for panic. What is required at this time is a commitment from all Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for their health and take every precaution necessary to prevent yourself from contracting the virus," the health minister said.

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