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Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. (Photo © PAHO/WHO)
Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne. (Photo © PAHO/WHO)

PAHO Director says PCR Test Remains Gold Standard

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, says the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test remains the “gold standard” for detecting coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Speaking during the PAHO COVID-19 digital briefing on Wednesday (October 14), she said that while...
Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne.
Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne.

PAHO Receives Rapid Antigen Test
Deputy Director General​, Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Leesha Delatie-Budair, speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the agency’s Head Office in Kingston on Tuesday (October 13).
Deputy Director General​, Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Leesha Delatie-Budair, speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the agency’s Head Office in Kingston on Tuesday (October 13).

STATIN Survey Indicates Jamaicans Generally Informed About COVID-19
Medical Officer or Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham.
Medical Officer or Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham.

Persons With Respiratory Symptoms Must Call the Health Ministry’s EOC
Head of the Department of Microbiology at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Dr. Alison Nicholson, reviews COVID-19 test results at the PCR Machine. The device helps in determining whether samples contain the novel coronavirus.
Head of the Department of Microbiology at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Dr. Alison Nicholson, reviews COVID-19 test results at the PCR Machine. The device helps in determining whether samples contain the novel coronavirus.

UHWI Researches COVID-19 Pool-Testing in partnership with NovaMed to Significantly Increase Testing Capacity

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CoronavirusHealth & Wellness

The Ministry of Health and Wellness Notes the Public Call for Greater Access to Remdesivir and will be Procuring Supplies of the Antiviral, Through the National Health Fund, for the Treatment of COVID-19 Infection in Public Facilities

This is based on the available scientific evidence, including in the New England Journal of Medicine (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2007764) that shows Remdesivir may be effective in the treatment of COVID-19. The drug has been shown to reduce the length of in-hospital stay by five (5) days, and to reduce mortality rates by four per cent (4%). However, the Ministry wishes to advise...
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Chairman of the Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Independent Oversight Committee, Professor Archibald McDonald.
Health & WellnessWorks / Construction

Work Continues on Cornwall Regional Hospital

Chairman of the Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Independent Oversight Committee, Professor Archibald McDonald, says work continues on the main hospital building, but the rehabilitation process has slowed as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In an interview with JIS News, Professor McDonald explained that work on the roof of the 10th floor, under the first phase, has been completed, with phase...
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Health & WellnessLocal Government

Two Sisters Cave Remains Closed to Public UDC Concerned for Public Safety

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) notes with concern, the reports of illegal access to its property and the wanton disregard for public health and safety by members of the public trespassing at Two Sisters Cave, Hellshire, St. Catherine. The Corporation takes this opportunity to reiterate that Two Sisters Cave is not open to public access at this time and cautions...
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Minister of Health and Wellness,​ Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. (File photo)
CoronavirusHealth & Wellness

Gov’t Prioritising Mental Health

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is prioritising mental health interventions in order to address issues that have surfaced or might occur as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In delivering his message for World Mental Health Day, which was observed on Saturday (October 10), portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that a number of Jamaicans are...
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Hand wash station constructed by the Sandals Foundation at the entrance of the Ocho Rios Primary School. Stations are also being erected at Exchange All Age and Seville Golden Preschool in the parish and nine other schools across St. Mary, Westmoreland, and St. James.
EducationHealth & Wellness

New Handwashing Stations Being Built to Strengthen Infant and Primary School Preparations for New Academic Year

As part of ongoing efforts to invest in the island’s education infrastructure and support the academic growth of students, the Sandals Foundation is constructing handwashing stations at twelve infant and primary schools across St. Ann, St. Mary, Westmoreland and St. James. The construction of the handwashing stations, which is valued at approximately US$22,000, is made possible due to support from...
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