KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton today confirmed an additional six cases of the coronavirus in Jamaica.
He says all six patients are from the community of Corn Piece in Clarendon which is now under quarantine. This has pushed the COVID-19 numbers in Jamaica to 44. All six patients are linked to the island’s first COVID-19 death, a 79-year-old male from Clarendon.
The minister also reported two additional deaths related to COVID-19, one last night and another this afternoon.
The second death, reported on March 31, was a patient who was infected with the coronavirus and was believed to be recovering. The ministry reported that he was later found unresponsive and subsequently died from cardiac arrest. Due to the nature of his death, having died from a heart attack, the ministry is still consulting on whether or not they should treat it as a COVID-19 death. The patient was a 56-year-old man who also had dementia.
The third death, announced today at a press conference, is a 41-year-old man with UK travel history. He suffered from some underlying conditions and later developed renal failure and passed away.
The ministry of health has repeatedly said that the biggest threat to Jamaicans relating to COVID-19 is the tourists that entered the island in March and have not observed the quarantine orders.
According to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, approximately 7000 people entered Jamaica between March 18 and 23rd. Of that number about 1500 left the Island. This leaves 5500 persons, and of that number only about 400 have reported to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The ministry has urged that those who returned from overseas between March 18 and 23, identify themselves to the Ministry of Health and Wellness by utilizing the website, http://Jamcovid19.moh.gov.jm or call the Ministry’s hotline which is 888- One Love (663-5683).