Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, is encouraging member countries to follow through on planned investments in mental health service delivery, which she says is foundational to the region’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response. Speaking during PAHO’s COVID-19 digital briefing on Wednesday (August 18), Dr. Etienne said while many countries have prioritised mental health by integrating support for service...

Children, 12 years and older, with comorbidities are being targeted for the upcoming islandwide coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination blitz, slated for Saturday, August 21 to Tuesday, August 24. Students, aged 15-18 years who will be sitting exit exams, will also be prioritised. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the announcement during a virtual press conference hosted...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced seven no movement days in a bid to curb the latest surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Jamaica. Those days are Sunday, August 22; Monday, August 23; Tuesday, August 24; Sunday, August 29; Monday, August 30; Tuesday, August 31; and Sunday, September 5. Tightening of the curfews, which form part of...

Jamaica has received 48 hospital beds from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, to support the expansion of the COVID-19 hospital wards. The donation worth JMD$11.3 million was received by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, at the handover ceremony held at St. Joseph’s hospital in Kingston today (August 19). Dr. Tufton welcomed the contribution...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has said that vaccines have proven effective against the Delta variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “Vaccines continue to be effective based on what the research is showing against that particular strain and the others. The theme here about getting your vaccination is very relevant and now more so that we...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is considering further tightening of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection prevention and control measures, as the number of cases in Jamaica continues to surge. Mr. Holness said Jamaica was now struggling with the confirmed presence of the more transmissible Delta variant, noting that “that would probably be the cause of the...

Jamaica has received the first tranche of the Pfizer vaccines, donated by the United States (US) Government. The vaccines, which arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, on Thursday (August 19), will strengthen the national effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). They have been earmarked by the Government to prioritise the vaccination of children, 12...