‘We cannot afford another lockdown’ – Holness

With the signs of a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections evident, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged the nation to employ infection control measures such as hand sanitization, mask-wearing and physical distancing to contain the spread of the virus.

"I believe it is widely understood that the country, you, and your family cannot afford another round of lockdowns," Holness said in his New Year's message to the nation.

The prime minister warned that the country's health system can easily be overwhelmed by a surge in infections.

He noted, however, that the reopening of schools was important, arguing that it "would be an even greater tragedy if our children, having already lost over a year, were denied conventional schooling for longer".

Schools were closed to face-to-face classes shortly after Jamaica recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus. The learning institution were reopened briefly at intervals, but for the most part children have been forced to access lessons via online platforms.

Holness, in his message to the nation, said that Jamaicans will have to live with COVID-19.

"After almost two years of the pandemic, you now know what to do to protect yourself and your family. It is always good advice to eat right, exercise and build your immune system, but specifically to wear your mask, sanitize, physical distance, avoid large gatherings and unnecessary travel. If you are ill with symptoms, get tested, isolate and seek medical treatment, and above all, get immunized. I appeal to all Jamaicans to play their part in securing our recovery. Your health and your livelihood are in your hands," the prime minister said.