Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says that of the 10 coronavirus (COVID-19) samples that were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing, seven were found to have the UK variant. Addressing a COVID Conversations virtual press conference on April 29, Dr. Tufton said 50 samples were sent to CARPHA for testing to...

The Scientific Research Council (SRC) is reporting an increase in the use of it food pilot plant since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “We’ve seen an increase in food-based clients and persons producing new food products that were not on the market,” Executive Director of the SRC, Dr. Charah Watson, said at a recent JIS Think. “We are...

NEW CASES 24 HRS OVERALL Confirmed Cases 199 45,777 SEX CLASSIFICATION Females 119 25,632 Males 80 20,142 Under Investigation 0 3 AGE RANGE 5 months to 95 years 1 day to 108 years PARISH CLASSIFICATION OF NEW CASES Clarendon 15 2,513 Hanover 3 1,218 Kingston & St. Andrew 37 13,025 Manchester 16 2,747 Portland 14 1,479 St. Ann 49 2,920...

Jamaica is slated to get a US$1.22-million grant from the Government of Japan in support of the country’s coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme, now under way. The provision will fund the acquisition of cold chain equipment and capacity-building assistance to ensure equitable administration of COVID-19 vaccines. It forms part of Japan’s Emergency Grant Aid of US$11.1 million, being channelled through the...

Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Melody Ennis, says Jamaicans will see a difference in Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related  hospialisations and deaths as more persons become vaccinated. Dr. Ennis, who was addressing the Ministry’s virtual COVID Conversations on April 29, urged patience as the country waits to see the results of vaccination, particularly among vulnerable...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says that Jamaicans who got their first dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine in March will begin to receive their second dose during the first week of May. Jamaica received a shipment of 55,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the COVAX Facility on Monday (April 26), which will be...

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, is calling on countries with extra doses of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines to consider donating a “significant portion” to the Americas. She said that “these life-saving doses are desperately needed and will be promptly used”. Dr. Etienne, who was addressing PAHO’s COVID-19 digital press briefing on Wednesday (April 28), said that “timing...