Mass COVID-19 Testing For Portmore Residents

Mass COVID-19 testing: The Mayor of Portmore, says residents can look forward to Christmas despite the COVID-19 restrictions. He says testing will also increase in the coming weeks, as the number of confirmed cases in the area continues to rise.

Up to Tuesday, Portmore had 839 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 44 of which were recorded in the last two (2) weeks. 

Meanwhile, Police in the St.Catherine South Division say they have nabbed several residents for breaches of the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Act.

And to add, just over a week to Christmas and there is an increased effort in the sunshine city of Portmore to brighten what is anticipated to be a very dull celebration.  

On Tuesday, The Portmore Municipal Corporation’s Christmas tree was lit by the Mayor of Portmore, Leon Thomas and other members of the Council. 

Mayor Thomas says given the increased COVID-19 cases in the municipality and concerns from the Ministry of Health, there will be massive testing this week, at the Greater Portmore Health Centre. 

Crime Persistent in Portmore

But, COVID-19 isn’t the only issue dogging the parish. 

The Commanding Officer for the St. Catherine South Police Division, Senior Superintendent Clive Blair lists areas such as Naggo Head, Newland and Gregory Park as some of the crime hotspots in Portmore.

He says, following incidents of serious crimes, the Police have carried out a number of operations. So far, some of the alleged criminals have been arrested, charged and taken to court.

The Commanding Officer also notes that several persons have been arrested and charged for breaches of the Disaster Risk Management Act. 

However, he says most major crimes are down by at least 7%, adding that the police intend to maintain these gains till the end of the year. 

He is appealing to residents of Portmore, and by extension, the St.Catherine South Division to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

CVM Live‘s Aladden Love reports: