The Ministry of Health and Wellness is ramping up surveillance and testing as the country approaches the final stage of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which is community transmission. “We are now testing all severe, acute respiratory illnesses that are presenting to our hospitals,” said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie She noted that, initially, “we were testing only...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is encouraging individuals and establishments to comply with stipulated safeguards outlined by the Government to curtail further spread of the highly infectious coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jamaica. His appeal comes against the background of two persons being arrested and charged for breaching regulations under the Disaster Risk Management Act. Speaking at a press conference...

The Government is seeking 600 rooms across the four health regions to be used as transitional houses for persons who are recovering from the coronavirus (COVID-19), and is appealing to the public for its assistance in identifying places that can be used. Owners of hotels with available rooms or those that are no longer being used are encouraged to engage...

Public health inspectors in St. James have been deployed to the ports of entry in the parish as part of efforts to contain and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “As you know, those are front-line areas, therefore, the staffing there is crucial,” Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector, Roshaye McFarlane, told JIS News. “So at this point, we...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is assuring the public that the required protocols for the screening of incoming travellers are being followed at airports and seaports. Director of the Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services (EDMSS) Branch at the Ministry, Dr. Nicole Dawkins-Wright, told JIS News that the country’s public health surveillance system has been in place long before...

Guardian Life Limited and the Guardian Group Foundation have made a much needed contribution to the Jamaican health sector with the donation of a ventilator valued at J$4.3 million, to the Victoria Jubilee Neo-Natal Ward and by extension the Kingston Public Hospital; this as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospitals received the equipment on Friday, March 20....

The Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) is calling on persons and organisations that undertake prize promotions to contact the Commission for approvals. Conversely, the general public is encouraged to call the BGLC to confirm whether a competition has been authorised and to report any competition that alters its rules after advertising. Director of Licensing and Registration at the BGLC,...