The Ministry of Health and Wellness will be recruiting 120 newly trained medical officers to fill gaps created within the public health system by the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, among other challenges. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure during a virtual press conference at the Ministry’s offices in New Kingston on Sunday (August...

Jamaica recorded its highest number of confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases for a day, with 116 persons testing positive as at Sunday (August 23). The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica is now 1,529. The newly confirmed cases are 68 females and 48 males, with ages ranging from 17 to 85 years. Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the...

In light of the recent surge in new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is urging Jamaicans to exercise greater vigilance in preventing the contraction or spread of the disease. “There is a need for consciousness… for conscious personal responsibility on the part of every citizen,” he emphasised while speaking during a virtual press conference at...

KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, August 21, 2020: Regrettably in the last 24 hours, Jamaica saw another COVID-19-related death. The deceased is an imported case of a 69-year-old female from Manchester. The total death from COVID-19 is now at 16. At the same time, the country recorded 56 new confirmed COVID-19 cases. These bring the total cases on record for the island...

Given the spike in COVID-19 cases, it has now become necessary to delay the reopening of schools. We have consulted with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and barring any unforeseen challenges, schools will reopen on a phased basis beginning Monday, October 5, 2020. The re-engagement is based on a blended approach, which includes Face-to-Face teaching and learning, online and...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says consultations are being held regarding the reopening of schools for the 2020/21 academic year and a decision will be announced shortly. Mr. Holness was addressing a digital press briefing from the Office of the Prime Minister Media Centre on August 21. School plants, which were ordered closed on March 13 as part...

Churches located in the parishes where stricter curfew measures have been imposed will be prohibited from holding funeral services, conventions and other civic activities. This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, who noted that these churches will be able to hold their regular worship services. "Burials, however, will continue, but with strict observation and enforcement of...