Health Minister Seriously Concerned about the Uncontrolled Spread of Covid-19 in Manchester and St. Ann

As of January 11, 2021 the parishes of St. Ann and Manchester have recorded sharp increases in the number of active Coronavirus cases, the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton reported.

The Health Minister said this was a major cause of concern, because of the fact that the national average is now at 2.5 per 100,000 cases.  

The number of cases in those 2 parishes represents the first and second highest rates of spread on the island. This has led the Minister to believe there is uncontrolled spread in those 2 parishes, while St Ann had 75 active cases and Manchester had 68 active cases, Mr. Tufton reported.

This report was given on Tuesday in the House of Representatives and the Minister asked the residents again to take seriously the necessary protocols and make an effort to reduce the spread of the deadly virus.

The health departments in the 2 parishes responded by ramping up prevention activities such as more testing and contact tracing, especially in places where there are many vulnerable Jamaicans.

Mr. Tufton also told the residents how to do social distancing, hand washing or sanitising and the wearing of masks.

He also reported that the Health and Wellness Ministry would continue monitoring the spread of Covid-19 on the island.