Security Minister Pleased With Joint Security Forces

Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says he is pleased with the operation of the joint security forces in the Seven and Eight Miles communities of Bull Bay in St. Andrew.

The communities have been placed under quarantine to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This follows a Declaration Order by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness designating the entire island a disaster area, under the Disaster Risk Management Act.

The decision was taken after a number of persons who are linked to the first person who tested positive for the virus started showing symptoms that suggested that they are ill or becoming ill.

“They are doing very well. They have been brought in to do the quarantine work at Bull Bay, which is an added operation. It’s a public health emergency, but the men and women of the forces have responded very well. They have performed their duties with a high level of efficiency and professionalism, and I commend them publicly,” Dr. Chang told JIS News.

He said they have been provided with the requisite operational support to perform their duties efficiently.

“They are trained, prepared and responding extremely well in this situation. They have the requisite equipment, both in anti-gang and anti-COVID,” the Minister said.

Dr. Chang pointed out that their duties are being carried out under the law.

Under the Quarantine Order, access to and from the communities has been restricted for 14 days and the extent of the spread of the virus will be assessed and the necessary treatment applied.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is advising that persons continue to wash their hands with soap and water; keep more than one metre (three feet) away from other persons; cover the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing and then discarding it; and resisting the urge to touch the face.

Currently, there are 13 persons with the virus in the island.