The first batch of 21 specialist nurses from Cuba will arrive in the island on March 24, to boost the capacity of the health system to deal with the coronavirus (Covid-19). "We're trying to get about 100 additional specialist nurses in the system, focusing primarily on high intensity units or ICU (intensive care unit)," said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr....

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has activated its Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) in response to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). Regional Technical Director, Dr. Dianne Campbell-Stennett, said the EOCs will allow for a coordinated response at the parish level “to ensure that we are efficiently and effectively responding.” She noted that  protocols have been established at public health facilities in...

Residents of the Seven and Eight Miles communities of Bull Bay in St. Andrew, are being reminded to stay at home unless authorised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The communities have been placed under quarantine to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). This follows a Declaration Order by Prime Minister, the Hon. Andrew Holness designating the entire...

Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor, Richard Byles, says contingency measures have been put in place to maintain the normal functioning of the financial system and markets while safeguarding employees and customers, in light of the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In a statement on Friday (March 13), Mr. Byles said the BOJ has collaborated with the commercial banks to ensure...

The Department or Correctional Services (DCS) will be suspending all visits to correctional institutions for 14 days starting Monday (March 16). During the period, the public will not be allowed to take food or care packages to these facilities. Commissioner of Corrections, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Gary Rowe, said that the decision to suspend visits was made in consultation with health...

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) through its Disaster Management Committee, has activated its National Emergency Disaster Protocol as well as its Regional and Location Committees, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The CPFSA, which has oversight of 54 child care facilities, including transitional living complexes, places of safety and children’s homes, is operating in active disaster mode...

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has withdrawn 64 amusement licences for the staging of various events in the Corporate Area. The move is in light of the Government’s imposition of a 14-day ban on public gatherings as part of measures to contain the risk of transmission of the coronavirus (Covid-19). Mayor of Kingston, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams,...