No Need to Panic – Health Minister

Despite the recent increase in the positivity rate of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging caution against panic.

He said persons must always be vigilant and concerned about the possible spread of the disease and that the Ministry remains committed to “deal with the threat” but the danger is “nowhere it used to be”.

“I don’t want us to panic. I would like to discourage those who pervade a sense of panic where it is not necessary at this point in time. COVID  has always been among us, and we have seen the decline of the virus a year or so ago,” the Minister said, while delivering the keynote address at the handover of the upgraded Mandeville Comprehensive Health Centre in Manchester, on July 13.

Noting that Jamaica and the rest of the global community experienced two years of “serious challenges” with the virus, Dr. Tufton pointed out that 3,500 lives had been lost in Jamaica, and while some persons are still affected by the illness, most Jamaicans are coping and overcoming the “risk that is associated with COVID”.

“Over time, the virus and the threat that it represents has to a large extent subsided, even though it still remains in the population. There are some people who are more vulnerable than others, and there are places that tend to be more susceptible for persons to pick up the COVID virus,” Dr. Tufton said.

The Ministry is encouraging persons to observe the infection prevention and control protocols.

Persons who are vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities, are still at risk and should practise handwashing, hand sanitisation, the wearing of masks and being consistent with sneezing and coughing etiquette, especially when in public spaces.

Further, all eligible persons should take the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, especially the vulnerable populations, which include the elderly, the young, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.