No healthcare worker positive for COVID-19

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has said that no front-line healthcare worker has tested positive for COVID-19 while admitting that some have been quarantined.

“Some members of the front-line staff have been in quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19 cases in Jamaica, but all have tested negative and are serving the quarantine period of 14 days,” said a spokesperson for the ministry in a statement yesterday.

The ministry was clarifying statements made by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton in a Sunday Gleaner interview about local front-line workers and the impact of the novel coronavirus on the sector.

In a separate statement yesterday, RJRGLEANER Group Chief Executive Officer Gary Allen apologised for any misunderstandings arising out of statements in the interview.

“Having discussed the matter with our editorial team, the Ministry of Health, the minister himself, and the permanent secretary, we now have full clarity on the matter.

“We accept the clarifications given and apologise for any misunderstandings arising out of statements in the interview with the minister and regret concerns our readers may have formed.

“We assure you that as can be seen by our numerous supportive activities across the RJRGLEANER Communications Group (of which The Gleaner is a member), we are fully committed to providing accurate, live, extensive coverage, useful programming, giving guidance and tips in print, digital and electronic media, as well as partnering with the Government to achieve the best for Jamaica at this time,” Allen added.