No Extension To Enhanced COVID-19 Measures In Westmoreland After Jan. 15

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says there will not be an extension to the enhanced COVID-19 measures for the parish of Westmoreland.

He made the disclosure on Tuesday (January 12), during a sitting of the House of Representatives.

The enhanced COVID-19 measures for the parish will expire on Friday, January 15, 2021.

“Last month we highlighted the risks associated with cases in Westmoreland. Based on our assessment, it was determined that State interventions were necessary to curtail the spread of the virus in the parish,” Dr. Tufton said.

“Today, I can report that the interventions have resulted in the reduction in reported cases to 51 active cases as at January 11, 2021. The total occupancy at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital is now 56 per cent for isolation, a significant reduction from the above 80 per cent isolation occupancy reported in December,” he added.

The Minister said as such, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has indicated to the Cabinet that “we will not require an extension of the special restrictions for that parish beyond the current time period”.

“We thank the citizens of the parish, especially their elected officials, for their support and cooperation and advise that only through your maintenance of the protocols can we maintain and further reduce the spread of the disease,” Dr. Tufton said.

As at January 11, 2021, Jamaica recorded 13,760 cases of COVID-19. The country has also recorded the passing of 315 persons.