Residents In Communities Under Quarantine Must Report Concerns To Authorities On The Ground

The Government has called on persons in communities under quarantine, who feel they have been deprived of basic items and food being distributed, to report it to the authorities on location.

Currently, residents in Seven Miles and Eight Miles in Bull Bay, St. Andrew, are under quarantine to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), based on contact with Patient One.

Speaking at a press conference at Jamaica House on March 17, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, reiterated calls for them to go to the authorities on the ground.

“For persons who feel deprived, as it relates to food items or basic essential items, they should report that to the personnel who are placed or based at the locations and we will do the necessary follow-up,” Dr. Tufton said.

“We’ve also engaged in conversation with the typical non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have been accustomed to providing support in circumstances of this kind – the Salvation Army, Food For the Poor and Red Cross – so we are mobilising them to be a part of any support services to those persons in the area,” he added.

Dr. Tufton said the National Health Fund’s Drug Serv will also be providing pharmacy services for persons in quarantine who are in need of medicine.

“The National Health Fund’s Drug Serv mobile unit has been assigned to provide pharmacy services and they should be there, and that will address persons who need medical support or drug services,” he said.

“The unit will drive through the communities, stop at the command post and establish 11 checkpoints – one at the entrance of Shooters Hill, two at the foot of the hill and eight along the Bull Bay main road. These points serve as drop-off points for prescriptions, along with the medical post. Those are specific instructions for persons in the zone who are in need of medical care,” Dr. Tufton pointed out.

He said the Bull Bay Health Centre will be opened on Tuesday (March 24), to provide routine curative services.