Warning! COVID-19 still present
Published:Wednesday | July 12, 2023 | 12:14 AMChristopher Serju/Senior Gleaner Writer
“COVID-19 is still very present in our population.”
That statement from Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of health and wellness, to the House of Representatives yesterday was not intended to alarm the population. Instead it was meant to be a gentle reminder of the risk from the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
For this reason, the health ministry has encouraged Jamaicans to continue to observe the infection, prevention and control protocols, though recorded COVID-19 numbers are relatively low.
“Persons who are vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with co-morbid illnesses, are still at risk for severe illnesses and should be shielded by adhering to handwashing, hand-sanitising, the wearing of masks and be consistent with coughing and sneezing etiquette, especially when in public spaces,” Tufton appealed to the country through his parliamentary colleagues.
Over the past four weeks, there has been an average of 87 confirmed COVID cases with the average seven-day positivity rate being 22 per cent.
“So, the wearing of the mask is still recommended, particularly if you feel vulnerable or you have symptoms. Further, all eligible persons should take the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines which are available, especially the vulnerable populations, the over 60s and those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers who are on the front line,” he continued.
Tufton disclosed that the country was seeing a slight increase in the number of lower respiratory tract infection, specifically pneumonia, which had moved from about 100-120 cases per week to 124 on average.
“Admissions for severe acute respiratory illnesses are below what is seen on average at this time of the year – 12 admissions per week on average. However, admissions for lower respiratory tract infection, pneumonia that is, were higher than expected in the two last weeks,” he admitted.