Jamaicans Urged To Remain Vigilant Against COVID-19

Jamaicans are being urged not to become complacent as the coronavirus (COVID-19) positivity rate steadily declines but to continue to adhere to the protocols, and get vaccinated.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, made the appeal as he addressed journalists on Saturday (February 19) at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kingtson, where he, along with his wife, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, received their COVID-19 booster shots.

He said that while the reduction in infections is encouraging and indicates that the country is now coming out of the fourth wave, this does not signal that the pandemic is over.

“It’s not over, and the only way that the pandemic is going to end is when a large part of the population, globally and locally, has the natural or the acquired immunity through vaccination to combat the virus,” the Prime Minister said.

As such, he is reiterating the need for unvaccinated persons to take the jab and for those who have already received two doses to get the booster for greater protection.

The Prime Minister noted that vaccination helps to prevent severe illness, hospitalisation and death.

“We are entering into what is called the endemic phase. Now when we are in that phase, persons still are going to get infected and even those persons who have taken the vaccines – both shots – can still get infected. If you don’t have your boosters, the chance of getting infected, the chance of getting ill is high,” he warned.

“That booster, along with maintaining the protocols [wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, and sanitising hands] even when the Government lifts the rules, will help you to remain safe,” Prime Minister Holness stressed.