COVID cases continue to rise in Jamaica, says Tufton
Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton says there has been an uptick in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the country.
“COVID continues to show signs of increase. I spoke to it last week in the Parliament, where I indicated that, an average, we have been carrying about 100 cases a month since January. I’m told, up to last night, that we’re now seeing 130 [cases],” Tufton said.
Tufton addressed the Post Cabinet Press Briefing at the Banquet Hall, Jamaica House, on Wednesday.
Up to July 15, there had been 37 active COVID-19 cases in St Thomas, and the parish's Medical Officer of Health, Dr D'Oyen Smith, stressed that the disease remained a priority for the health department. However, the Ministry of Health said there was no need, at this point, to once again make the wearing of masks mandatory for everyone, but urged vulnerable groups to take precautions.
Against this background, the health minister emphasised that while confirmed cases have increased, there has not been a significant rise in deaths.
“The good part of that, of course, is that we’re not seeing any significant increase in deaths, which is the extreme case. Every death is regrettable, of course. But the fact that we’re seeing increases in positivity will impact hospitalisation and bed occupancy. And the fact that people are in hospital means the probability of dying will increase. So, we can’t take it lightly,” he emphasised.
He is urging the nation’s most vulnerable to take the necessary steps to remain COVID-19-free.
“Our message continues to be if you a vulnerable, if you are in doubt if you are concerned, see your doctor. There are infection prevention and control mechanisms that are standard operating procedures such as mask-wearing, sanitisation, avoiding crowds, particularly if you fall in the vulnerable category [over 65], underlying conditions; cancers, front line workers,” he said.
The ministry will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, he added.
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