Tufton plays Santa Claus

Dressed as Santa Claus, Jamaica's Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton visited four paediatric wards on Monday, taking with him gifts of toys for the children.

The minister's Christmas sleigh made stops at the St Ann's Bay Hospital in St Ann, Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James, and the Savanna-la-Mar General Hospital in Westmoreland.

"COVID-19 has affected us all in numerous ways, and as we try to grapple with this continued reality, we have to accept that we may not be able to do some of the things we would like. The pandemic, however, has taught us to appreciate the small things, and these visits were about spreading joy," Tufton said.

Jamaica has been hit hard by the pandemic, which has claimed 2,450 lives on the island as of Monday. Among the fatalities are five children under the age of nine years old and another 12 in the 10-19 age group.

Even as the country braces for a fourth wave of the virus, Tufton said that it is important that people adjust to live with COVID-19, but stressed that they should follow the disease-control protocols that have been established by his ministry. He also said that people deserve the opportunity to celebrate Christmas, but in a responsible manner.

"With everything that the pandemic has taken and has prevented us from doing, we all, even the children, deserve a moment to embrace at least a semblance of joy," Tufton said.

"I urge people to remember what this season is truly about and charge them to do what they can to spread Christmas cheer, while embracing the simple pleasures that life brings. For me, it was about the smiles from the children in the paediatric wards. For you, it could be a hug, it could be giving a helping hand, or even inviting a neighbour to Christmas dinner. Do what you can and give love this Christmas, because we are all still in this together," the health minister said.