Health Ministry concerned as daily COVID cases hit record number

The Ministry of Health says the increase in daily positive rate of COVID-19 cases in Jamaica is a cause for concern, as Jamaica on Friday, recorded its highest tally of new cases in a 24 hour period, with 263 cases from 1,785 samples tested.

According to the health ministry the 14.72 per cent rate suggests that the populatuion may have become complacent with regards to the current COVID protocols.

The ministry says more and more, cases are arising from symptomatic persons who have not taken the necessary precautions at home, resulting in several positives in households and communities. 

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, has sought to remind Jamaicans of the need to strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols that the Government of Jamaica has put in place to protect themselves and others from contracting the disease.

“I implore every Jamaican to continue to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from catching and spreading COVID-19."

"We cannot become complacent at this time, as we still have to protect ourselves and others, especially the members of the population who are considered vulnerable to severe outcomes from the disease,” the Minister said.

“COVID-19 is not over; it is still a clear and present danger, as we investigate these cases, we expect that our numbers may increase even further, therefore, we need to keep washing our hands frequently or using hand sanitiser, keeping a physical distance of six feet from others; wearing our masks; avoiding crowded situations, and adhering to all the measures outlined in the Disaster Risk Management Act,” Dr. Tufton added.

Some 3,797 active cases are being monitored across the island, as the Health Ministry keeps a close watch on Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Manchester, and St. James – the parishes with the highest number of active cases in the last two weeks.

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