Too Soon to Determine Alarming COVID-19 Trend

Between April 1 and 27 the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) noted an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. This follows confirmation of the presence of the Omicron, BA.2 variant. While hospitalization remains at a low, they are still pushing vaccination as a measure in keeping citizens safe as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton during a recent COVID-19 Conversation said the ministry will continue to monitor the trends of the virus while urging Jamaicans to be cautious.

Jamaica’s daily COVID-19 numbers have been on a steady decline since mid-February with only double-digit cases, however, there was a triple-digit increase on Wednesday sparking concerns; it was also day three of a double-digit positivity rate.

The Head of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) Dr. Mindi Fitz-Henley says the next few days will be very important in observing how the numbers are progressing. Meanwhile, the country’s low vaccination rate has again evoked suggestions from one public health specialist.

Public health expert, Professor Winston Davidson, is reaffirming that the vaccination programme must be decentralized to boost take-up. More details in this report: