Gov’t Committed to Safeguarding Personal Information On JAMCOVID-19 App

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says that the Government is committed to safeguarding the personal information of users of the JAMCOVID-19 application as well as the public health system.

“The Government (is) very clear on the need to secure the personal information of those who use the app and in particular, as it relates to public health. We have had a long-established tradition of confidentiality in terms of patient records,” he said.

Dr. Tufton was addressing a virtual COVID Conversations press briefing on February 18, where he reiterated that an investigation has been initiated into the security vulnerability associated with the JAMCOVID-19 app.

He said that further details will be provided by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) which is “managing the process and will respond appropriately.”

The app, developed through a public-private partnership, is an easy-to-use, centralised source for the Government of Jamaica COVID-19 related information and services.

In addition to providing the latest data and statistics about COVID-19 in Jamaica and other countries around the world, the app allows citizens to self-report their health status, book an appointment for testing if they are exhibiting symptoms, as well as request emergency services such as the police or ambulance.