From JIS

With the increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Jamaica, districts in St. Thomas and Clarendon under quarantine, and 18 communities in Kingston and St. Andrew being monitored, there could be a delay in the planned reopening of schools in early September.

Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, gave an update during the question-and-answer segment of a virtual press conference at Jamaica House on August 17.

“The COVID response or COVID monitoring and surveillance is literally a day-to-day activity, ultimately leading to an observation of trends and an assessment of risks. As of now, there are concerns. I will rely on the public health team who are doing the actual monitoring, and they will, of course, recommend to the Cabinet… as it relates to school reopening,” the Minister said.

“The likelihood of a postponement or delay is real and I don’t think anyone would disagree with that as a possibility, because, ultimately, the health and safety of our children and, indeed, our population, would be paramount. However, it has to be dependent on the public health assessment of the risks and a recommendation that would advise accordingly. And that is an ongoing, almost a daily activity… and if we have to advise the Cabinet under extraordinary circumstances, or otherwise, we would do so,” he added.

Dr. Tufton said there are concerns in relation to COVID-19 cases, and if the trend continues, it could be a challenge, “but I will await some more time and assessment, and then the Cabinet will, of course, make the decision”.

In the last 24 hours, 16 new samples have tested positive for COVID-19. This brings the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica to 1,129. At the same time, recoveries remain at 764 (a 67.7 per cent recovery rate).

Related:

16 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed

From JIS

As at Monday (August 17), 16 new samples have tested positive for COVID-19.

This brings the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica to 1,129.

At the same time, recoveries remained at 764. (67.7% recovery rate).

Of the newly confirmed cases, 11 are males and five are females, with ages ranging from 1year to 58 years. Two of the new cases are imported, having arrived on flights in August from the USA; four are local transmission not epidemiologically linked, eight are contacts of confirmed cases and two are currently under investigation. The new cases were recorded in Kingston & St. Andrew (8), Clarendon (6), St. Thomas (1) and Manchester (1).

Nine moderately ill patients and one critically ill patient are among the 285 (25.2%) active cases under observation in Jamaica. Sixty-six (66) of the cases recorded on the island have returned to their countries of origin.

Some 28,381 persons of interest are quarantined at home, while four remain in quarantine at a government facility.

Jamaica now has 397 imported cases; 373 cases that are contacts of confirmed cases; 88 local transmission cases not epidemiologically linked; 236 related to the workplace cluster in St. Catherine and 35 are under investigation.

Some 615 (54%) of all confirmed cases are females and 514 (46%) are males. The ages of all confirmed cases range from 2 months to 88 years.

Clinical Management Summary as at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020

Total Samples Tested	46,924
New Samples tested in the last 24 hours	407
Discharge samples tested in the last 24 hours	6
Results Positive	1,129
Results Negative	45,705
Results Pending	90
Deceased	14
Recovered	764
Persons Repatriated	66
Number in Facility Quarantine	4
Number in Home Quarantine	28,381
Number Hospitalised(Including suspected COVID-19 cases)	63
Persons in Facility Isolation	54
Persons in Home Isolation	186
Persons in Step Down Facilities (Isolation)	13
Persons Moderately Ill	9
Persons Critically Ill ———- 1