Protecting Citizens Against COVID-19 Still A Priority

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) with Responsibility for Information, Hon. Robert Morgan, said the Government continues to invest heavily in protecting citizens against the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19).

“The Government has invested billions of dollars in the protection of citizens, with investments in the healthcare sector…[and] in the procurement of vaccines,” he said. Minister Morgan was addressing his first digital post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday (February 9) since his appointment in January.

Reiterating that there is no shortage of vaccines or vaccination sites in the country, the Minister urged Jamaicans to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We encourage persons to get vaccinated,” he stated, while adding that everyone should observe the protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, sanitising and maintaining physical distance as much as possible. The Minister used the opportunity to remind persons to stay home if they are sick and avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Minister Morgan emphasised that vaccines have been proven to be one of the most effective mechanisms to protect against COVID-19.

More than 250 vaccination outlets are in place islandwide and booster shots are on offer at permanent immunisation sites.

There are four brands of COVID-19 vaccines available – AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Sinopharm, and Johnson and Johnson.