CMO urges Jamaicans to adhere to COVID protocols amid record daily cases

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, is urging Jamaicans to adhere to the current protocols, and remain extra cautious as the country tries to curb the current spike in COVID-19 cases.

According to Dr. Bisasor McKenzie, an increase in social gatherings across the island espceially in the croporate area, will continue to lead to a surge in exposure and infections. 

In a statement from the Ministry of Health and Wellness the CMO said "the younger age groups who attend these functions are likely to become infected, but will have mild symptoms. They are however spreading to the older and more vulnerable populations leading to an increase in hospitalisations and severe illness." 

She further stated that the increase in the number of cases in the 20-39 age group continues to be a driving force in the rise in infection rate, putting the entire population ar risk for more restrictive measures. 

The CMO's comments comes following Saturday's report that Jamaica hit another record high with 328 positive cases identified within the last 24 hours from a sample of 2,089.

The positivity rate for the period increased from 14.3% on Thursday to 15.70%.

Kingston & St. Andrew (70), St. James (53), Manchester (49) and St. Catherine (43) are the parishes with the highest number of cases recorded in the 24 hours timeline.

The number of active cases in the country increased to 4,074 with some 130 COVID-19 positive patients in hospitals across the island.

Among the patients who are in hospital, 21 are moderately ill, while 17 are in critical condition.

Members of the public are again being urged to take every precaution to guard against the spread of this disease.

She advised that Jamaicans must adhere to the provisions under the Disaster Risk Management Act, even as they increase their vigilance to the infection prevention and control measures - washing hands frequently or using hand sanitiser, keeping a physical distance of six feet from others; wearing masks and avoiding crowded situations.

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