Fifty residents of St. Catherine are being trained as community health aides (CHAs) in keeping with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ strategic framework to prepare the population to live with the coronavirus (COVID-19). The CHAs, who will be deployed in communities throughout the parish, are part of approximately 1,300 CHAs being recruited islandwide by the Ministry. Portfolio Minister, Dr....

Cinemas, playhouses and theatres will be conditionally reopened to the public for a period of 14 days, as of Sunday (July 5). These entertainment venues have been closed since March as part of measures instituted by the Government to curtail the local spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Speaking in the House of Representatives on July 1, Minister of Local Government...

As at Wednesday (July 1), the island now has on record 707 confirmed COVID-19 cases. This follows the confirmation of five new samples that have tested positive in the last 24 hours. In the meantime, two additional COVID-19 patients have recovered and have been released from care, bringing that total to 555. (78.5% Recovery Rate). All five cases are imported,...

As of Thursday (July 2), all beaches and rivers in breach of safety protocols established to curtail the local spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), will be closed with immediate effect. This warning comes from Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who noted that non-compliant beach and river operators, as well as patrons, could face possible prosecution...

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information is to provide a sanitisation grant to assist early-childhood institutions across the island. This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister, Hon. Karl Samuda, during the sitting of the House of Representatives on June 30. Mr. Samuda also informed that the Ministry is now carrying out an assessment to determine the number of early-childhood institutions...

Jamaica has recorded four new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Tuesday (June 30) while recoveries remain at 553 or 78.8%. The new positives – which bring to 702 the total number of COVID-19 cases on the island – consist of 2 males and 2 females, who range in age from 25 to 43 years. All are imported cases, having arrived on...

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Policy will play a critical role as the country recovers from the coronavirus (COVID -19). “This policy seeks to foster a culture of innovation among our people, which is necessary to take us into the future,” she noted. Minister Williams was speaking during the final...