The Ministry of Health and Wellness has provided additional telephone numbers that persons can call to acquire information and make reports regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). These are: 888-754-7792; 876-542-5998; 876-542-6007; and 876-542- 6006, and are in addition to the 888-ONE-LOVE (663-5683) toll-free number. This was announced by Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, in a statement to the House of Representatives on...

Jamaica will be closing its Consulate General in New York, and the consular departments in Washington DC and London for one week starting on Monday (March 16), due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, in making the announcement at a press briefing at the Office of the Prime...

Minister with oversight for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Karl Samuda, says that classes at the University of the West Indies (UWI) will be suspended until after Easter in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Two imported cases of the virus have been confirmed in the island. Mr. Samuda made the announcement in the House of Representatives on March 12. The...

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has activated its COVID-19 prevention plan to decrease the likelihood of the spread of the virus within correctional facilities island-wide. Effective Monday, March 16, all external visits to the facilities will be suspended for two weeks. During this period, the public will not be allowed to take food or care packages to correctional centres....

With the confirmation of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jamaica, the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) is encouraging customers to utilise the Agency’s recently launched Electronic Business Registration Form (eBRF) to register their new business names and new companies. The platform can be accessed via the Agency’s website www.orcjamaica.com, and will facilitate the reservation, registration of entity names, as well...

Dear Colleagues, School Administrators are being advised that the Ministry is now at the Red Alert phase of the Education in Emergencies plan. Consequently, schools will be closed with effect, March 13, 2020 for 14 days. During this period, the situation will be monitored and after ten days, an update will be provided. School Administrators are being asked to organize...

The Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Performance Task Tests, scheduled for March 19 and 20 have been postponed. These exams would have fallen within the 14-day school-closure period announced by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, at a press conference at Jamaica House on Thursday (March 12). Mr. Holness said this decision to close all public schools was taken after...