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Jamaica confirms first imported case of the Coronavirus

The Caribbean country of Jamaica has confirmed its first imported case of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the island.

Jamaican Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton made that public announcement on Tuesday, March 10.

Dr Tufton said the patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom.

“She arrived in the island on March 4, presented to the public health system on March 9, and has been in isolation since then,” Dr Tufton said. “A clinical sample was collected and sent to the National Influenza Centre, where laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis today at approximately 11 am. The patient and family members have been informed.

Dr Tufton said the Jamaican government is now taking several steps ‘to prevent the risk of community spread’. He said these measures include the identification and contact-tracing for all possible exposed persons.

Jamaica — several of whose nationals reside in the BVI — currently has travel restrictions on multiple countries including China, Italy, South Korea, Singapore, Iran, Spain, France and Germany.

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7 Comments

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  1. Goldfingerer says:

    What does this mean for us? Jamaicans out?

  2. Guest says:

    I thought Jamaicans bleach. You mean to tell me all the bleaching of their faces and skin and one of them still get it??? She nah be a real Jaimaican………..

    Like 8
    Dislike 9
  3. Quiet Rebel says:

    Despite some world leaders attempting for political reasons trying to equate the Coronavirus with the flu, it is not the flu. It is a new virus and the outcomes and impacts are unknown. Covid-19 must be taken seriously. It is highly contagious, spread person-to-person, community spread…….etc. Advanced countries are taking the virus seriously, ie, the whole of Italy is shutdown. Smaller countries such as the VI must take a proactive approach to preventing, containing and mitigating the virus. VI residents should and must take precautionary measures. The Coronavirus can pose a threat to tourism, 1/2 in the VI economic twin pillars.

    The majority of tourists visiting the VI comes from the US. And a major outbreak in the US will adversely impact Americans traveling abroad both cruise and overnight visitors. Further, an outbreak in the VI also will adversely impact tourist arrivals. As such, the VI cannot wait for things to happen but must make things happen. Though it cannot control things outside its border, it must take care of things within its border. This may require making some tough decisions that may be unpopular, ie, taking a close up look at arrivals.

    Like 16
  4. Lol says:

    But wait my friend tell me I can’t get t because I black and the melanin in my skin means we can’t catch it……So how she get it????

    Like 5
    Dislike 9
  5. Soon says:

    All I’m hearing from ignorant people is stop Dominicans and Jamaicans coming here.With the amount of international traveller coming here you all worried about a few island people. If the virus isn’t here yet then it’ll be tourist and traveling locals who’ll bring it more than island people.

    Like 15
    Dislike 3
  6. Socrates says:

    1. Other. countries are discouraging large gatherings should the VI do the same?
    2. Should the VG Easter Festival be cancelled or streamlined?
    3. Should schools be cancelled?
    4. Should funeral services be bypassed?
    5. Should residents avoid handshaking, hugging……etc?
    6. Should people suspected of having the Coronavirus avoid going to the hospital? If not the hospital where?
    7. Should daycares be cancelled?
    8. If necessary will the whole country be lockdown?
    9. Should churches continue to hold services? Will faith takes precedence?

    Like 9
    Dislike 2

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