The country’s mobile testing mechanism will start rolling out on Friday (April 3) as the Ministry of Health and Wellness ramps up testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the announcement during a digital press conference on Wednesday (April 1). “The Ministry will be, essentially, engaging mobile units, which will be rebranded to indicate...

Andrews Memorial Hospital, on Hope Road in Kingston, is to be used as an extension of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) as part of the Government’s effort to shore up the public health system to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The privately owned hospital sent out an advisory recently, stating that it would not be handling any COVID-related cases...

The Financial System Stability Committee (FSSC) of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) has endorsed initiatives being undertaken by the institution to ensure adequate foreign currency and Jamaica Dollar liquidity, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Measures to this end include the BOJ’s collaboration with commercial banks to ensure that there is no disruption to critical banking and payment services,...

The Plant Produce Inspection Branch and the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries have implemented paperless processing for permits and phytosanitary certificates. All applications for import permits must be made online at www.moatrade.gov.jm website. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, Hon. J.C Hutchinson, said the changes came into effect on March 18 and are...

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport is giving support to vulnerable adolescent mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this period they were all sent home,” said the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange who explained that about 500 adolescent mothers/expectant mothers have been affected by the temporary closure of the Women’s Centre of...

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is calling for all Jamaicans to accept and conform to the Government’s measures to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. He said that the onus is on individuals to do what is necessary in order to protect themselves and their families. “This is not business as usual… . It cannot be...

More than 13,000 farmers are slated to benefit from the $400-million Drought Adaptation Programme being implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries. Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry, Hon. J.C. Hutchinson, made the disclosure during a digital media conference on March 31. The programme aims to increase agricultural production for vegetables, fruits, condiments, roots and tubers by...