Health Minister Confirms That Jamaica Is In The 5th Wave Of The Covid-19 Pandemic

Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, confirmed during a press conference at the virtual Covid-19 Conversation today, May 18, that Jamaica is in the fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Dr. Tufton, the emergence of the fifth wave on the island is likely due to an Omicron sub-variant BA2, with an increase in the proportion of the sub-variant in the population and the higher transmissibility.

Having recorded 147 confirmed Covid-19 cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the total infection rate in the country now stands at 133,250 and the total number of deaths to 3,013. Dr. Tufton also revealed that 97.5% of persons hospitalized are unvaccinated.

The Health Minister is urging Jamaicans to continue to remain vigilant and practice precautionary measures in protecting themself from the virus. He also implores that the general public gets vaccinated to aid in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

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