Jamaica is among the over 40 countries which have banned UK flights effective immediately as a result of concerns regarding the spread of a new variant of coronavirus.
The new strain of this virus is said to be 70 per cent more contagious than the current strain that is on the island.
However, Christmas is a time when families fly back and forth to celebrate festivities and seek the warmth of the tropics fleeing colder weather.
President of the Jamaica Association for the resettlement for returning resident, Percival Latouche says a ban at this time is excessive.
In the meantime, Opposition Spokesperson On Health, Morais Guy says though he understands Christmas is a time for merriment, the health of Jamaican’s is paramount.
He says though the strain is not more deadly, being highly contagious is a major problem.
The tourism sector says though this was not calculated in the future projections of the economic boost that was expected this Christmas, the ban is necessary.
Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett SAYS the sector will patiently wait on the spontaneous ban to be lifted to calculate its effects .
Paige Dixon reports for CVM Live:
