Waterford welcomes coronavirus clampdown

Tighter measures have been implemented in Waterford, Portmore, St Catherine, in an attempt to curtail any further spread of the novel coronavirus there.

Some residents, though somewhat scared, said that they are particularly pleased with the actions being taken.

"When I look at a map that the Ministry of Health post last night (Tuesday), my road was on it and this makes me feel scared because it is right at my doorstep," Lisa McKoy, a resident of Granville Road, told THE STAR. "Right now, I don't have a problem with the lockdown because at least we know they are doing what they can to keep us safe. The police and soldier a patrol the place and me nuh have no problem with that because them make sure people go inside, and as long as them a try make COVID come out, I'm fine."

McKoy revealed that she has adjusted her daily routine due to COVID.

"I used to go over my neighbour's house, all of that cut out, even more so now. If I don't have to go outside, I don't leave," she added.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced special curfew hours of 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the area; this started on Tuesday.

The directive follows the revelation of 24 active cases and five deaths recorded in the densely populated area. The curfew will remain in place until October 20.

Paul Gibbison, 53, said that he firmly supports the clampdown "because me never know say a so much corona in a the place".

Not taking it serious

"The curfew necessary because some people not taking it serious. If it nuh reach somebody in a them yard is like a joke to them," he said. "Me have me little bottle of alcohol and if anybody to come in, me make sure them sanitise and thing. It done happen already so we gonna be scared, but right now them a try to do everything to protect us so all we have to do is work with them."

Janice Green, a healthcare worker who lives in Phase Two, said she has been encouraging persons to wear their masks and keep inside because she knows the dangers of COVID-19.

"As for the curfew, it is necessary because within the evenings, there are a lot of children and teens just on the outer part. When we have the police and soldiers, that will keep them inside," she said.