32 new cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica

Health authorities in Jamaica confirmed that there are 32 new cases of COVID-19.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton gave the update during a press conference on Tuesday evening.

“Jamaica can now confirm that we have 105 cases of COVID-19. This follows 32 new additions over the last 24 hours.”

The health minister also gave a few details on the demographics of the cases.

“The new cases comprise five males and 27 females who range from 19 to 70 years old. The cases are from St. Catherine, Kingston and St. Andrew.”

Dr Tufton added that 31 out of the 32 of the positive individuals are from a business processing outsourcing (BPO) company.  The company, with registered 787 workers, is in Portmore, St Catherine.

Over the weekend, it was reported that two employees of the call centre had been infected with COVID-19.

St. Catherine On Lock down after rise in COVID-19 cases

With the recent development in the number of COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a lock down of the parish of St Catherine.

“The parish of St Catherine will be under a lockdown from 5:00 AM, Wednesday, April 15^th, 2020 through to 5:00 AM on Wednesday, April 22^nd. Everyone is expected to stay in their premises.”

Prime Minister Holness added an individual must stay home and isolate if he or she is feeling ill, more so if exhibiting symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever. No exemptions.

The Prime Minister also said that during the lockdown, residents of St. Catherine will be allowed to do essential activities on Wednesday April 15 and Saturday April 18, 2020.

“If you are 65-years and older, if you are pregnant, or you are a person with disabilities you can go to your pharmacy, to your supermarket, to your corner shop, purchase the items you need and return home. That is between the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.”

Meanwhile, an alphabetical shopping will be observed for those under 65 years old during the two-day window period.

“If you surname begin with A through to M and you are below 65 years of age, then between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, you can pursue the essentials of life. If your surname begins with N and Z, between 1:30PM and 5:00 PM you can shop.”

Holness likewise reminded the residents to bring a form of identification, to wear mask and to practice social distancing rules in public space.

There will be a total lock-down of the parish of St Catherine beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 5:00 AM, and ending on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 5:00 AM. During the period of the lock-down in St. Catherine, two days, Wednesday and Saturday, will be designated to pursue essential activities. These are Wednesday April 15 and Saturday April 18, 2020. All persons in public spaces must have identification: a government issued ID, (passport, drivers licence or voters ID), picture IDs issued by government ministries, departments and agencies, registered university IDs. The lock-down of St Catherine is intended to slow and contain the spread of Covid-19. #COVID19Jamaica

Posted by Andrew Holness on Tuesday, April 14, 2020

In other news:

The Bahamas to establish a food security task force amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.