Jamaicans Encouraged to Welcome Fog Workers in Their Communities

With the country facing an outbreak of dengue fever and the Ministry of Health and Wellness ramping up fogging activities islandwide, Jamaicans are being urged to welcome fog workers in their communities as they do their jobs.

Speaking during Wednesday’s (October 4) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said there have been instances of workers entering communities and being stoned or verbally abused by residents, often due to fear.

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage the citizens of communities to welcome the workers. Don’t shun them or, worse, don’t be aggressive or violent towards them,” he said.

The Minister advised that if persons have respiratory or other health challenges, they should resort to certain measures to protect themselves such as using a damp or wet cloth to cover the nose and mouth to avoid any adverse effects during the fogging exercise.

They can also wear a mask.

Dr. Tufton, who further reminded that the abuse of fog workers is illegal and prosecutable, pointed out that the Ministry’s fogging schedule has been increased to seven days per week based on the parish assessment of communities that are high-risk.

Additionally, a daily fogging schedule by parish is circulated on the Ministry’s website.

Dr. Tufton noted that persons who think their community needs to be added to the schedule can call or send a note through the website.

Jamaica declared an outbreak of dengue fever on September 23. According to the latest figures from the Health Ministry, there are 1,117 presumed, suspected and confirmed cases.

The Government, through the Ministry, has since allocated some $300 million towards dengue mitigation efforts.