COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica
The COVID-19 pandemic in Jamaica is part of an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. On 12 January, the World Health Organization confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, who had initially come to the attention of the WHO on 31 December 2019. Unlike SARS outbreak of 2003, the case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.
The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed in Jamaica on 10 March 2020; and, coincided with the 2019–2020 dengue fever epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Timeline
March 2020
On 10 March 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed the first case in Jamaica, a female patient who arrived from the United Kingdom on 4 March. The health minister reported that the patient has been in isolation since 9 March after showing respiratory symptoms. Following the update, the travel ban imposed was expanded to include France, Germany, and Spain.On 11 March, the country's health minister Christopher Tufton confirmed the second "imported corona virus" case.
On 13 March, the country announced six additional cases – including the father and another female patient of the first patient. Later that day, the government announced that the community of Bull Bay — where the funeral attended by the first patient took place — was placed under quarantine for 14 days. With four of the cases involving patients travelling through or from the United Kingdom, the country's foreign minister Kamina Johnson-Smith announced that the travel ban would be expanded to include the United Kingdom.
On 15 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed that 19 suspected cases were reported and the patients tested. Of the 19 suspected cases, only two patients were confirmed as having the virus - one coming from Trinidad and Tobago and the other who had "contact tracing from the index case". In the same update, the Ministry confirmed that there were twenty-seven patients in isolation facilities and that Patients 1 and 2 no longer exhibit any symptoms.
On 16 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of the Prime Minister reported that there were five preliminary confirmed cases. Later that day, the government confirmed that only two of the five reported cases tested positive for COVID-19. In response to the increase in cases, the government announced further social distancing measures such as imposed work-from-home directives, the banning of all mass gatherings of more than 20 people, and the shuttering of bars, restaurants, sporting events, et cetera.
On 17 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed another case - someone who attended the same funeral as Patient 1.
On 18 March, the Chief Medical Officer of Jamaica confirmed the first COVID-19 death in the country. At the same press conference, the health ministry confirmed two additional cases.
0n 19 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed one additional case bringing the total to 16.
On 20 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed three additional cases bringing the total to 19.
On 23 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed two additional cases bringing the total to 21. Of the two new cases, one was identified through contact tracing and was found to have been within close proximity to two patients.
On 24 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed four additional cases bringing the total to 25.
On 25 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 26.
On 27 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed four additional cases bringing the total to 30.
On 28 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed two additional cases bringing the total to 32.
On 29 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed four additional cases bringing the total to 36 - including two female patients with a travel history from New York and the first healthcare worker. The government also reported the recovery of the first patient in Jamaica.
On 31 March, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed two additional cases bringing the total to 38 - including one patient with a travel history from Boston and Atlanta; and, the first patient under the age of 18 years old. In the same release, the health ministry announced the second coronavirus related death, a previously recovering patient who was determined to have succumbed to cardiac arrest; and, the second recovered patient who has since been released from hospital.
April 2020
On 1 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed six additional cases bringing the total to 44. All six cases are from the Corn Piece community in Hayes, Clarendon, which has been under quarantine since 19 March. Earlier that day, the health minister tweeted that the country "had reported another COVID19 related death".On 2 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed three additional cases bringing the total to 47. The patients include a couple in their 70s with a travel history from New York and a 32-year-old male with no known travel history.
On 3 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed six additional cases bringing the total to 53. Of these cases: four were determined to be from contact with a confirmed case, one with a travel history from New York, and the other yet to be determined. The health ministry also confirmed the recovery and release of five patients bringing the recovery total to 07.
On 4 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed two additional cases bringing the total to 55. The patients include a 73-year-old female who has been in contact with a confirmed case and a 63-year-old female whose mode of transmission is under investigation. In the later tweet, the ministry confirmed the recovery and release of another patient bringing the recovery total to 08.
On 5 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed three additional cases bringing the total to 58. The patients include a 52-year-old male with a travel history from Brazil; a 41-year-old female with a travel history from New York; and, a 41-year-old female with no travel history.
On 6 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 59. The patient is a 43-year-old male with no known travel history; his mode of transmission is being investigated.
On 7 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed four additional cases bringing the total to 63. The new patients - all from Kingston and Saint Andrew - include: two 48-year-old females, a 26-year-old female and a 26-year-old male; and, all have been determined to have come in contact with a confirmed case. The health ministry also confirmed the recovery and release of two additional patients bringing the recovery total to 10.
On 8 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional COVID-19 related death bringing the total to 04. The health ministry also noted the recovery and release of two additional patients bringing the recovery total to 12.
On 9 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced that the recovery and release total stood at 13.
On 10 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed two additional cases bringing the total to 65. The new patients include: a 50-year-old female from Saint James with a travel history from New York; and, a 21-year-old female from Saint Catherine whose mode of transmission is currently being investigated.
On 11 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed four additional cases bringing the total to 69. The new patients include: a 52-year-old male and a 73-year-old male from Manchester who both had been in contact with a confirmed case; a 46-year-old female from Clarendon who had been in contact with a confirmed case; and, a 19-year-old male also from Clarendon whose mode of transmission is currently being investigated.
On 12 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed three additional cases bringing the total to 72. The new patients include: a 17-year-old male from Saint Ann whose mode of transmission is being investigated; a 52-year-old female from Kingston and Saint Andrew who had been in contact with a previous case; and, a 65-year-old male from Saint Elizabeth who had been in contact with tourists and whose mode of transmission is being investigated. Simultaneously, the ministry announced the recovery and release of three patients bringing the recovery total to 16.
On 13 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 73. The patient is a 52-year-old male from Kingston and Saint Andrew who had been in contact with a confirmed case. Simultaneously, the ministry announced the recovery and release of three more patients bringing the recovery total to 19.
On 14 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 32 cases bringing the total to 105. This marked the largest increase in daily confirmed cases to date. The new cases include: 05 males and 27 females who range from the ages 19 and 70-years-old; and whose mode of transmission varies. The majority of the cases are related to a call centre in Portmore, Saint Catherine. In response, the Government of Jamaica announced a week long lockdown for the parish of Saint Catherine. In a later release, the health ministry announced the fifth COVID-19 related death; and, the recovery and release of two more patients bringing the recovery total to 21.
On 15 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 20 cases bringing the total to 125. The new cases include: 05 males and 15 females who range from the ages of 02 and 43-years-old; and whose mode of transmission varies. Both the youngest and the oldest patients in this latest batch were “imported cases” whereas the remaining 18 are connected to the outbreak announced at the Alorica call centre on 14 April. According to the health ministry, there are 52 cases to date that are connected to that single facility.
On 16 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 18 cases bringing the total to 143. The new cases include: 05 males and 13 females who range from the ages of 04 to 56-years-old. According to the ministry, most cases are suspected to be connected to the outbreak announced at the Alorica call centre on 14 April. The health ministry in a subsequent release announced that one of its staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus; and, that its head offices will be closed on 17 April for cleaning and that staff ordered to home quarantine. It was similarly reported the health minister tested negative for the virus. As of 21:17 local time, there were also 25 recoveries according to the health ministry's website.
On 17 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 20 cases bringing the total to 163. The new cases include: two females workers from the Alorica call centre aged 33 and 19-years-old; and a 42-year-old male whose mode of transmission is being investigated. The health ministry has not yet revealed details for the other 17 patients.
On 18 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 10 cases bringing the total to 173. The 10 new cases and the 17 for which no details were provided for on 17 April are said to include: 18 females and 09 males mostly from within the 20-29 age bracket. According to the press release, 22 of the total 27 cases are workers of the Alorica call centre in Portmore, Saint Catherine and 02 are contacts of said workers. Additionally, the health ministry reported the recovery and release of two more patients bringing the recovery total to 27.
On 19 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 23 cases bringing the total to 196; no details on the patients were provided. According to the health ministry, 95 cases are “associated with a workplace cluster.”
On 20 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 27 cases bringing the total to 223. Of the new patients, 19 are female and 08 are male; and, 26 of the 27 are related to the same “workplace cluster” announced on 14 April.
On 21 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 10 cases bringing the total to 233. Of the new patients, 05 are staffers of the health ministry and a further 03 are related to the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine.
On 22 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 19 cases bringing the total to 252.
On 23 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 257 and an additional recovery and release bringing that total to 28. In a subsequent update, the health ministry announced the seventh COVID-19 related death in the country - a 04-year-old patient who succumbed at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Saint James
On 24 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 31 additional cases bringing the total to 288.
On 25 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 17 additional cases bringing the total to 305. Of the new patients, 06 are male and 11 are female ranging between the ages of 21 and 59. Additionally, 12 of the patients are employees linked to the workplace outbreak in Portmore, Saint Catherine; 03 have been determined to have been in contact with a confirmed case; and the remaining two are under investigation. To date, 165 out of 305 cases are linked to the Alorica call centre.
On 26 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 43 additional cases bringing the total to 348. This marked the largest increase in daily confirmed cases to date. In the same press release, the health ministry announced an investigation into the death of a young mother who succumbed to complications from childbirth after being reportedly turned away from several public and private hospitals owing her showing symptoms of COVID-19.The health ministry had originally reported 45 new cases but that was subsequently revised.
On 27 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 16 additional cases bringing the total to 364. Of the new patients: 07 are males and 09 are females; and, they range between the ages of 03 and 77-years-old. Seven patients are associated with the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine, one patient was determined to be a contact of a confirmed case and the other eight patients are having their mode of transmission being investigated. In a detailed press briefing, the health minister added that 182 of the confirmed cases were “related to the workplace cluster”; and, that a total of 3621 samples have been tested to date, with the results of 26 pending. The health ministry also confirmed the recovery and release of another patient, bringing the recovery total to 29.
On 28 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness website counted 381 confirmed cases - an increase of 17.
On 29 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 15 cases bringing the total to 396. Of the 32 new patients confirmed within the 48 hour period: 11 are male and 25 are female; and, they range between the ages of 01 to 71-years-old. Fifteen patients are associated with the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine; eleven patients are determined to be contacts of a confirmed case; one is determined to be an imported case; and, the remaining five are having the modes of transmission being investigated. To date, 245 cases have been directly and indirectly linked to the aforementioned workplace cluster.
On 30 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 26 cases bringing the total to 422. Of the new patients, 09 are male and 17 are female; and, they range between the ages of 08 months to 63-years-old. Twelve patients are directly and indirectly linked to the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine; six patients are contacts of confirmed cases and the remaining eight are having their modes of transmission investigated. The health ministry also announced that nineteen of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19; and, an additional COVID-19 related death - bringing the death total to 08.
May 2020
On 1 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 10 cases bringing the total to 432. Of the new patients, 02 were male and 08 were female with ages ranging from 02 to 49-years-old. Eight patients are directly or indirectly linked to the workplace outbreak in Portmore, Saint Catherine; and, the remaining two patients are having their modes of transmission investigated. The health ministry also announced the recovery and release of two more patients, bringing the recovery total to 31.On 2 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 31 cases bringing the total to 463. Of the new patients, 11 are male and 20 are females; and, they range between the ages of 08 to 72-years-old. Twelve patients are directly and indirectly linked to the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine; and, the remaining nineteen are having their modes of transmission investigated. Additionally, the health ministry announced the recovery and release of two more patients bringing the recovery total to 33.
On 3 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 06 cases bringing the total to 469. Of the new patients, 04 are males and 02 are females, with ages ranging from 09 to 37-years-old. All the cases are from Saint Mary and are contacts of confirmed cases. The health ministry also reported its ninth COVID-19 related death ; and, the recovery and release of five more patients bringing the recovery total to 38.
On 4 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 471. The new patients include: a 12-year-old child from St Catherine and a 20-year-old woman Clarendon, who have been determined to be contacts of confirmed cases. Additionally, the health ministry reported the recovery and release of 11 more patients bringing the recovery total to 49.
On 5 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 473. The new patients are both male, aged 34 and 34-years-old and from Kingston and Saint Andrew. One is a contact of a confirmed case linked to the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine; and, the other is a contact of a confirmed case whose mode of transmission is being investigated. Additionally, the health ministry reported the recovery and release of 07 more patients bringing the recovery total to 56.
On 6 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional five cases bringing the total to 478. The new patients include: an 18-year-old male from Saint Mary ; three men ages ranging from 16 and 69-years-old; and, one female aged 17-years-old. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of one more patient, bringing the recovery total to 57.
On 7 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional 10 cases bringing the total to 488. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of an additional patient bringing the recovery total to 58.
On 8 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 490. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of four more patients bringing the recovery total to 62.
On 9 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 08 additional cases bringing the total to 498. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 16 more patients bringing the recovery total to 78.
On 10 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 502. The new patients - all male - include: a 31-year-old man from Saint Ann who was determined to be an imported case from the batch of recently repatriated residents; and the others - between the ages of 17 and 63; and, all from Kingston and Saint Andrew - were determined to contacts of previously confirmed cases. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 12 more patients bringing the recovery total to 90.
On 11 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 03 additional cases bringing the total to 505.
On 12 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 507. Of the new patients, one is a 57-year-old female and the other is a 06-year-old male; both are from Kingston and Saint Andrew. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 10 more patients bringing the recovery total to 100.
On 13 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 509. The two new patients are both male, with one being 48-years-old and from Saint Catherine; and, the other being 74-years-old and from Kingston and Saint Andrew. One has been determined to be a contact of a confirmed case related to the workplace cluster in Portmore, Saint Catherine and the other is having his mode of transmission investigated. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 13 more patients bringing the recovery total to 113.
On 14 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported no new cases - marking “the first time in 50 days that the country has recorded no such increase”. However, the healthy ministry did report the recovery and release of five more patients bringing the recovery total to 118.
On 15 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 511. The two new patients are: a 20-year-old female from Kingston and Saint Andrew who is an employee of the workplace cluster in Portmore; and, a 45-year-old female from Saint Catherine who was determined to be a contact of a confirmed case. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of three more patients bringing the recovery total to 121.
On 16 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 517. The six new patients, aged between 3 and 62-years, include two males and four females who are all from Kingston and Saint Andrew and are determined to be contacts of a confirmed case.
On 17 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 03 additional cases bringing the total to 520. The three new cases are imported - from a cohort of Jamaicans repatriated from the United States on 13 May. They are all female ranging between 37 and 72-years-old; two are from Kingston and Saint Andrew and the other hailing from Saint Thomas. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of six more patients bringing the recovery total to 127.
On 18 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of four more patients bringing the recovery total to 131.
On 19 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of 14 more patients bringing the recovery total to 145.
On 20 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 09 additional cases bringing the total to 529. The new patients include six who were recently repatriated from the United Kingdom, two who are directly and indirectly linked to the workplace cluster in Saint Catherine; and, another who is the contact of confirmed case. The patients ranging from 17 to 53-years-old hail from addresses in the parishes of Saint Catherine, Saint Ann, Portland, Saint Mary; and, Kingston and Saint Andrew. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 26 more patients bringing the recovery total to 171.
On 21 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 534. Of the new patients, three were male and two were female; and, they hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Mary and Portland parishes. Of the five patients, two were recently repatriated from the United Kingdom whilst the other three are having their modes of transmission investigated. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 10 more patients bringing the recovery total to 181.
On 22 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 10 additional cases bringing the total to 544. Of the new patients: five were male and five were female; five were recently repatriated from the United Kingdom with the others hailing from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew and Saint Catherine parishes. Of the five local cases, three were determined to be contacts of previously confirmed cases and the other two are having their modes of transmission investigated. Additionally, the health ministry reported the recovery and release of 10 more patients bringing the recovery total to 191.
On 23 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 550. Of the new patients: five were recently repatriated from the United Kingdom and other countries with the sixth case currently under investigation; and, they hailed from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine and Saint Ann parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 09 more patients bringing the recovery total to 200.
On 24 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 552. Of the new cases, one is a 25-year-old female from Kingston and Saint Andrew; and, the other being a 22-year-old male from Saint Ann parish. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 11 more patients bringing the recovery total to 211.
On 25 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 556. Of the new cases, three were recently repatriated to Jamaica by cruise ship with the fourth being a contact of a confirmed case. The patients - two males and two females, between the ages of 28 and 55-years-old - hail from Saint Ann and Saint Catherine parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 27 more patients - the highest single day recovery to date - bringing the recovery total to 238.
On 26 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 08 additional cases bringing the total to 564. Of the new cases, one was female and the others male; and, they range between 28 and 62-years-old. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 29 more patients - the highest single day recovery to date - bringing the recovery total to 267.
On 27 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 5 additional cases bringing the total to 569. Of the new cases, one was male and the others female; and they ranged from 32 to 46-years-old. According to the ministry, the new patients were from Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Manchester and Saint James parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 12 more patients bringing the recovery total to 279.
On 28 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of 5 more patients bringing the recovery total to 284. No new cases were confirmed within the same 24-hour period.
On 29 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 575. The new patients are all recently repatriated Jamaicans. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 05 more patients bringing the recovery total to 289. With this new update, the recovery rate stood at 50.3%.
On 30 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 581. All patients but one are recently repatriated Jamaicans coming in under the Controlled Re-Entry Programme; and, they hail from addresses in Portland, Trelawny and Kingston and Saint Andrew parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 01 more patient bringint the recovery total to 290.
On 31 May, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 586. All patients were recently repatriated to the country under the Controlled Re-Entry Programme. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 21 more patients bringing the recovery total to 311.
June 2020
On 1 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 588. Both patients - both male - are recently repatriated under the Controlled Re-Entry Programme; and, they hail from addresses in Westmoreland and Saint Ann parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 11 more patients bringing the total to 322.On 2 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 590. Both patients - one male aged 69-years-old and one female aged 23-years-old - are linked to the workplace outbreak in Saint Catherine parish. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 34 more patients bringing the total to 356.
On 3 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 591. The patient is female, aged 27-years-old, a resident of Saint James parish and was recently repatriated under the Controlled Re-Entry Programme. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 05 more patients bringing the recovery total to 361; and, another COVID-19 related death bringing the death toll to 10.
On 4 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of 07 more patients bringing the recovery total to 368. With no new cases reported over the 24-hour period, the confirmed total remains at 591 with two patients deemed critical.
On 5 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 595. All cases were imported, three males and one female ranging between the ages of 35 to 46-years-old. All are cruise ship workers who returned under the Controlled Re-Entry Programme. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 17 more patients bringing the total to 385.
On 6 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 596. The patient is a 41-year-old male of a Saint Catherine address who is said to be a contact of a confirmed case. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 19 more patients bringing the total to 404.
On 7 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 598. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of an additional patient bringing the recovery total to 405.
On 8 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 599.
On 9 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 605. The new cases are all imported, with three arriving on a flight from the United States, one from the United Kingdom and two from a recently docked cruise ship at Falmouth Pier. The patients range from 24 to 54-years-old; include five males and one female; and, hail from addresses in Manchester, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Portland and Saint Catherine parishes.
On 10 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of 2 more patients bringing the recovery total to 407. No new cases were confirmed in the same 24-hour period.
On 11 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total 611. The new cases were all imported, with four arriving on a flight from the United States and the others on a flight from the United Kingdom. The patients range from 38 to 63-years-old; include five females and one male; and, the hail from addresses in Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Portland and Saint Catherine parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of an additional patient bringing the recovery total to 408.
On 12 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 03 additional cases bringing the total to 614. The new cases were all imported, with 02 arriving on a flight from Canada and the other - an “involuntary returning migrant” - from the United States. The patients include two males and one female ; and, they hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine and Saint Mary parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 09 more patients bringing the recovery total to 417.
On 13 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 615. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 03 more patients bringing the recovery total to 420.
On 14 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 617. The new cases were both imported with the patients returning from Florida, United States. The patients include a male and a female hailing from addresses in Saint James and Kingston and Saint Andrew respectively. No recoveries were reported in that 24-hour period.
On 15 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 621. The new cases were all imported with patients entering the island on various flights from the United States. The patients include two males and two females hailing from addresses in Manchester, Westmoreland, Hanover and Saint Ann parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 10 more patients bringing the recovery total to 430.
On 16 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of 19 more patients bringing the recovery total to 449. No new cases were confirmed in that 24-hour period. With this update, the recovery rate stood at 72.3.
On 17 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 626. The new cases were all imported with patients entering the island on various flights from the United States. The patients include three females and two males hailing from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Clarendon and Westmoreland parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 02 more patients bringing the recovery total to 451.
On 18 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 12 additional cases bringing the total to 638. Of the new cases, 09 were imported and the remaining 03 being contacts of imported cases. The patients include eight females and four males ranging between 04 and 65-years; and, hailing from addresses in Saint James, Saint Ann, Kingston and Saint Andrew, Clarendon, Manchester and Westmoreland parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 07 more patients bringing the recovery total to 458.
On 19 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 14 additional cases bringing the total to 652. The new cases were all imported arriving on flights from the United States; and, include ten females and four males ranging between 20 and 72-years. Of the 14, six are non-residents with accommodations in Saint James and Westmoreland parishes and the others hailing from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and Saint Mary parishes. No recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period.
On 20 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 657. The new cases were all imported ; and, include four males and one female ranging between 12 and 47-years. The patients are linked to addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint James and Saint Ann, with investigations underway to determine if they are residents and non-residents. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 04 more patients bringing the recovery total to 462.
On 21 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 659. The new cases were both imported on a flight from Dallas, Texas. The patients were linked to addresses in Clarendon and Trelawny parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 54 more patients - the highest daily recovery to date - bringing the recovery total to 516.
On 22 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 665. The new cases were all Jamaican residents, with four being imported and the other two being “import related”. The patients include four males and two females, ranging between 24 and 52-years and hailing from addresses in Saint James and Saint Ann parishes. No recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period.
On 23 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 670. The new cases were all imported, arriving on flights from the United States. The new patients include two males and three females ranging from 15 to 61-years who hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew and Saint Catherine parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 02 more patients bringing the total to 518.
On 24 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 08 additional cases bringing the total to 678. Of the new cases, three were imported and the remaining five are import related connected to other imported cases from the United States. The new patients include seven males and one female ranging from 10 to 51-years who hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Elizabeth and Saint James parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 03 more patients bringing the total to 521.
On 25 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 684. Of the new cases, four were imported and two were contacts of previously confirmed cases. The new patients include two females and four males ranging between 06 and 35-years-old; and, they hail from addresses in Westmoreland, Hanover, Saint James, Trelawny and Kingston and Saint Andrew parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 05 more patients bringing the recovery total to 526.
On 26 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 686. Of the new cases, one was imported and the other is a contact of previously imported cases. The new patients include two females aged 29 and 87-years; and, they both hail from addresses Kingston and Saint Andrew parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 13 more patients bringing the recovery total to 539.
On 27 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 690. The new cases were all imported and three have since left the island. The new patients include two females and two males who range between 24 and 38-years. The health ministry begun contact tracing in Saint Ann, Saint Catherine and Saint James parishes where the three non-residents were being accommodated; while the sole Jamaican hails from a Saint Ann address. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 13 more patients bringing the recovery total to 552. With this new update, the recovery rate stands at 80%.
On 28 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 696. Of the new cases, five were imported having arrived on flights from the United States; and, the remaining patient is a contact of an imported case. The new patients include three females and three males who range between 22 and 71-years. Two patients are non-nationals currently staying in Westmoreland and Hanover parishes; while the four Jamaican hail from addresses in Manchester, Westmoreland and Saint James parishes. No recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period.
On 29 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 698. The new cases were imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include a 31-year-old male and a 48-year-old female with address of residence in Saint James and Kingston and St. Andrew respectively; both are Jamaican nationals. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of an additional patient bringing the recovery total to 553; and, the repatriation of 07 patients to their home countries.
On 30 June, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 702. The new cases were imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include two males and two females who range between 25 and 43-years. No recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period.
July 2020
On 1 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 707. The new cases were imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include four males and one female who range between 31 and 56-years. Two patients were non-nationals staying in Saint James parish; while the three Jamaicans hailed from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew and Saint Catherine parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 02 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 555.On 2 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 08 additional cases bringing the total to 715. The new cases were all imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include four males and four female who range between 21 and 60-years. Two patients were non-nationals staying in Saint Ann parish; while the six Jamaicans hailed from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine and Saint Ann parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 05 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 565.
On 3 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 721. The new cases were all imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include four males and one female who range between 31 and 56-years. Five patients were non-nationals staying in Westmoreland, Saint James and Kingston and Saint Andrew parishes; while the sole Jamaicans hailed from an address in Kingston and Saint Andrew parish. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 05 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 565.
On 4 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 07 additional cases bringing the total to 728. The new cases were all imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include three males and four females who range between 12 and 62-years; and, they hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth and Saint James parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 04 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 569.
On 5 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 04 additional cases bringing the total to 732. Three of new cases were imported having recently arrived on flights from the United States; and, the fourth being a contact of an imported cases. The new patients include one male and three females who range between 01 and 59-years; and, they hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Westmoreland and Saint James parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of15 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 584.
On 6 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 737. The new cases were all imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States and the Dominican Republic. The new patients include three males and two females who range between 17 and 65-years; and, they hail from addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew and Manchester parishes. Two patients are staying in Saint James. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 07 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 591.
On 7 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 08 additional cases bringing the total to 745. Six of the new cases were imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States; and, the other two are import related. The new patients include five males and three females who range between 20 and 52-years; and, they hail from addresses in Saint Catherine, Westmoreland, Saint James and Saint Ann parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 08 additional patient bringing the recovery total to 599 and the repatriation of a further 08 patients bringing that number to 15.
On 8 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 751. The new cases were all imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States and Canada. The new patients include two males and four females who range between 19 and 48-years; and, they hail from addresses in Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Hanover, Saint James and Saint Ann parishes. No recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period.
On 9 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 753. The new cases were all imported, having recently arrived on flights from the United States and Canada. The new patients include one male and one female aged 19 and 48-years. The female patient was staying in Saint Ann but has since been repatriated to her home country and the male patient was a Jamaican citizen hailing from Saint James parish. 04 recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 603.
On 10 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported the recovery and release of 02 patients bringing the recovery total to 605.
On 11 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 758. The new cases were all imported having recently arrived on flights from the United States. The new patients include three males and two females aged 22 and 45-years with addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth and Saint James parishes. 10 recoveries were reported in the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 615.
Between 12 and 13 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 759. The new patient is a 69-year-old female from a Kingston and Saint Andrew address who recently returned to the island from the United States. During this 48-hour period, the health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 13 patients bringing the recovery total to 628.
On 14 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 03 additional cases bringing the total to 762. The new cases were all imported having recently arrived on flights from the United States; and, two of which are foreign nationals. The new patients include one male and two females aged 27 and 55-years. The Jamaican patient resides in Trelawney parish whilst the since repatriated foreign nationals were staying in Kingston and Saint Andrew and Saint James parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 15 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 643. The number of repatriated patients now stood at 23.
On 15 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 763. The new case was imported from the United States; and, is a 08-months-old male infant resident in Saint Catherine parish. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 4 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 647. The number of repatriated patients now stood at 23.
On 16 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 765. The new cases were all imported having arrived on flights from the United States; and, includes one foreign national who has since been repatriated. The new patients include two males aged 24 and 40-years; and, both were resident in Saint James parish. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 28 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 675. The number of repatriated patients increased to 24.
On 17 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 03 additional cases bringing the total to 768. Two patients are deemed import related with the third being subject to further investigation. The new patients include one male and two females between 35 and 47-years; and said patients are resident in Saint Catherine and Saint Ann parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 3 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 678.
On 18 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 774. Of the new cases, four were imported on flights from the United States and a cruise ship; and the other two being placed under investigation. The patients - two females and four males - range between 03 and 55-years; and, have addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Clarendon, Westmoreland, Saint James and Trelawny parishes. A single recovery was reported within the same 24-hour period bringing the recovery total to 679.
On 19 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 16 additional cases bringing the total to 790 - the largest daily increase since early May. Of the new cases, fourteen were imported on flights from the United States; and the other two being placed under investigation. The patients - ten females and six males - range between 02 and 56-years; and, have addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, Westmoreland, Saint James, Saint Ann and Portland parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 14 patients bringing the recovery total to 693. As of this update, 29 patients have been repatriated - including two who were confirmed within the same 24-hour period.
On 20 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 19 additional cases bringing the total to 809 - overtaking the previous day's record high. Of the new cases, thirteen were imported on flights from the United States, five were deemed contacts of confirmed cases and one being subjected to further investigation. The patients - eleven females and eight males - range between 03 and 70-years; and, have addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Clarendon, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Ann and Saint Mary parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 13 patients bringing the recovery total to 706. As of this update, 30 patients have been repatriated.
On 21 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 810. The new case was imported from the United States; and, is a 20-year-old female dual national staying in Saint Catherine parish. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 03 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 709. The number of repatriated patients as of this update stood stood at 31.
On 22 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 816. Of the new cases, five were imported on flights from the United States; and the other deemed to be import related. The patients include five females and one male who range between 18 and 60-years. Three Jamaican nationals have addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Clarendon and Manchester parishes; while the foreign nationals are staying in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint James and Saint Ann parishes. In the same 24-hour period, a single recovery was reported bringing the recovery total to 710 and the repatriated total updated to 32.
On 23 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 821. Of the new cases, four were imported on flights from the United States; and the other placed under investigation. The patients include two females and three male who range between 25 and 63-years. Two Jamaican nationals have addresses in Saint Elizabeth and Saint Mary parishes; while the three foreign nationals are staying in Saint James and Saint Ann parishes. In the same 24-hour period, a single recovery was reported bringing the recovery total to 711 and the repatriated total stood to 36.
On 24 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 10 additional cases bringing the total to 831. All cases were imported with nine arriving on flights from the United States and the other on a cruise ship. The patients - six females and four male who range between 16 and 63-years - provided addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Clarendon, Westmoreland, Hanover, Saint James and Saint Ann parishes. In the same 24-hour period, no recoveries were reported and the repatriated total stood to 39.
On 25 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 06 additional cases bringing the total to 837. Of the new cases, five were imported while the sixth has been placed under investigation. The patients - three females and three male who range between 23 and 56-years - provided addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine and Saint Ann parishes. In the same 24-hour period, no recoveries were reported and the repatriated total stood to 41.
On 26 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 05 additional cases bringing the total to 842. All cases were imported from the United States. The patients include three males and two females who range between 24 and 61-years; with the three foreign nationals staying in Saint James and Hanover parishes and the Jamaican nationals providing addresses in Clarendon and Saint James parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 03 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 714. The number of repatriated patients now stood at 42.
On 27 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 11 additional cases bringing the total to 853. Of the new cases, ten were imported from the United States and the other placed under investigation. The patients - including four males and seven females who range between 22 and 68-years - gave addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Westmoreland, Saint James, Trelawny, Saint Ann and Saint Mary parishes. The number of repatriated patients was updated to 45.
On 28 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 02 additional cases bringing the total to 855. One of the new cases was imported from the United States and the other placed under investigation. The patients - two females aged 16 and 56-years - gave addresses in Saint Ann and Saint Mary parishes. The health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 10 more patients within the same 24-hour period, bringing the recovery total to 724. The number of repatriated patients now stood at 46.
On 29 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed an additional case bringing the total to 856. The case - an adult female who provided an address in Clarendon parish - was imported from the United States. The number of repatriated patients remained at 46.
Between 30 and 31 July, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirmed 22 additional case bringing the total to 878. Of the new cases, twelve were imported on flights from the United States and the remaining ten are being investigated. The patients - twelve females and ten males who range between 04-months and 77-years - provided addresses in Kingston and Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Clarendon, Hanover, Saint James and Saint Thomas parishes. During this 48-hour period, the health ministry also reported the recovery and release of 02 patients bringing the recovery total to 726. The number of repatriated patients was updated to 47.
Government response
January and February 2020
The government announced a travel ban between China and Jamaica. All people entering Jamaica from China will be subject to immediate quarantine for at least 14 days, and anyone who was allowed to land and shows symptoms of the virus will be put in immediate isolation. In keeping with the new policy, 19 Chinese nationals who arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport on the evening of 31 January were denied entry, quarantined, and put on a flight back to China on 1 February.March 2020
On 12 March, Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered all primary and secondary schools closed for 14 days.On 13 March, the Prime Minister announced the invocation of the special powers to combat further spread of COVID-19. He said the country was seeking 100 Cuban nurses to help, and recruiting retired medical professionals.
On 17 March, the Government of Jamaica issued work-from-home directives to non-essential workers in Jamaica.
On 19 March, the Government of Jamaica placed the community of Corn Piece in Hayes District, Clarendon under quarantine; the community was the home of the patient who succumbed to the illness on 18 March.
On 20 March, the Government of Jamaica announced that all sea and airports will be closed to incoming traffic for a period of 14 days effective 21 March. The Ministry of Health and Wellness announced that it will be drafting final year medical students and retired medical practitioners to "support clinical and surveillance activities".
On 23 March, the Government of Jamaica imposed a stay-at-home order for all Jamaican citizens and residents 75 years and older for a period of 14 days; the order coming into effect on 25 March. Prime Minister Andrew Holness also announced that all public sector workers 65 years and older must work from home; school closures shall extend to the end of the Easter term ; and, that all persons who entered the country on 18 March will be placed on an additional 14 days quarantine.
On 25 March, the Minister of Finance and Public Service Nigel Clarke announced in Parliament the institution of the multi-billion dollar COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees Programme which aims to provided financial assistance to workers and business affected by the pandemic. The programme becomes operational on 9 April.
On 30 March, the Government of Jamaica announced an all-island curfew commencing on 1 April to combat what it believed was an "increase in movement over the weekend". The curfew, between 08pm and 06am each day, should end on 8 April.
April 2020
On 3 April, Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed that of the 7000 individuals who arrived in Jamaica between 18–24 March, 4500 have failed to report to the Ministry of Health and Wellness as required by the Disaster Risk Management Act despite much pleading. In response to their failure to report, he announced that the Passivity, Immigration and Citizenship Agency has been directed not to allow said individuals to leave the country. The individuals who failed to report to the health ministry, once found, would face a fine of up to $1 million and/or imprisonment, and may be forced into government-run quarantine facilities when found. That same day, the Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton announced in Parliament that these individuals could ultimately be named in the press.On 3 April, Prime Minister Andrew Holness also announced that the country should receive 25 additional ventilators by 1 May increasing the number of ventilators to 105. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson-Smith indicated that a number of the ventilators, N95 masks, other medical equipment and non-medical support are being obtained through donations from international partners - including the European Union, South Korea, the People's Republic of China and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Minister Johnson-Smith added that United States has donated US$700,000 which will go towards the national COVID-19 response; the allocation of funds will be directed by the newly formed External Support Coordination Committee.
On 5 April, the Minister of Culture, Sports, Entertainment and Gender Affairs Olivia 'Babsy' Grange announced that a telethon with the aims of raising US$10 million to fund the government's COVID-19 response will take place on 12 April. In subsequent reports, she unveiled details and the line-up for the show.
On 6 April, the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie issued guidelines on the usage of masks following similar announcements by the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.
On 7 April, the Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton announced that of the 7000 individuals who arrived in Jamaica between 18–24 March, 4500 have reported to the health ministry out of 5400 who remain on the island. At the same press conference, Minister Tufton announced several public-private partnerships designed “to manage the care of persons with co-morbid conditions, including diabetes and chronic hypertension, who utilize the public health system”; which effectively meant controlled patients would be outsourced to private practitioners and the freeing up the resources at the island's hospitals. Minister Tufton announced the authorisation by Cabinet for the use of the National Arena as a field hospital; the welcoming of 80 medical students from the University of the West Indies to help operate the MoHW Call Centre; and, the donation of 100,000 N95 masks by the Medical Association of Jamaica. That same day, the Prime Minister in a tweet announced that the night time curfew which commenced on 1 April will be extended.
On 8 April, the Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the nightly curfew in place since 1 April will be extended to 21 April; that the stay-at-home and work-from-home orders in place from mid-March will be extended until 21 April; and, that the wearing of masks will becoming mandatory for some class of persons and strongly advised for other Jamaicans. Additionally, Prime Minister Holness announced that schools in Jamaica will remain closed until 22 April; and, that the government is considering controlled re-entry of Jamaican expatriates.
On 9 April, the COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees Programme announced on 25 March begun accepting applications. In a tweet, Finance and Public Service Minister Nigel A. L. Clarke said “As at 2:35pm this afternoon the CARE Programme received 71,182 completed applications where confirmation numbers have been sent to applicants.”.
On 13 April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of National Security issued a statement that it was considering protocols to permit the controlled re-entry of 45 Jamaicans when possible, contingent on quarantine and isolation capacity, among other variables, pending the full re-opening of our borders to passenger traffic. This announcement came following news of Jamaicans workers on the Marella Discovery 2 cruise ship who were denied entry into the country when the ship was in the country's territorial waters. The ship was later denied entry into Portugal and is now seeking refuge in Southampton in the United Kingdom. According to the released statement: “We understand the disappointment and anxiety of these cruise line workers and similar sentiments experienced by other Jamaican workers overseas who await the reopening of our borders to return home... It is surmised that the captain may have taken the decision not to wait for a process, for which neither a guarantee of success, nor a timeline could be given, in light of the existing legal restrictions regarding our borders”
On 13 April, the Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton announced the operation and deployment of new mobile testing units.
On 14 April, the Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a complete lockdown for the parish of Saint Catherine for seven days in light of the outbreak at the Alorica call centre in Portmore, Saint Catherine. Included in this parish-wide lockdown are all employees in the business process outsourcing sector who live and/or work at call centres in the parish.
On 16 April, the Minister of Finance and Public Service Nigel A. L. Clarke announced that the government will be working with umbrella groups to ensure compliance of business entities in relation to applications for individual assistance under the Supporting Employees with Transfer of Cash component of the $10-billion COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees programme. He added that the collaboration was “to ensure that their former employees or their employees whom they have laid off can be verified, and by being verified they can be in receipt of their SET cash grant”. That same day, the Auditor General Pamela Munroe Ellis and her office will be reviewing the application and disbursement of funds from the COVID-19 Allocation of Resources for Employees programme.
On 17 April, the Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced a six-month moratorium on the payment for licences and of fees by entities in the tourism sector. He also confirmed that all 160,000 persons directly employed by the tourism sector would benefit from the government's stimulus package.
On 20 April, the Prime Minister Andrew Holness - in response to the sharp increase in the number of confirmed cases - announced the curtailing of the previously loosened island-wide curfew. The curfew, originally 08pm to 07am and then amended to 09pm to 05am, was adjusted to 06pm to 06am for a period of 14 days starting on 22 April. This was followed by the extension of the Saint Catherine lockdown on 21 April for a further seven days.
On 21 April, the Prime Minister Andrew Holness ordered the closure of all the business process outsourcing centres on the island for a period of 14 days. This was response to the workplace outbreak at one such BPO call centres, which has been credited for the sharp increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19. The order came into effect on 22 April. Additionally, the government announced that the wearing of masks in public was now mandatory and that they will be bringing back the Jamaicans trapped on board the Marella Discovery 2.
Also on 21 April, the Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang announced that 46 deportees from the United States were received at the Norman Manley International Airport. They arrived on a specially chartered flight and were transported to a government quarantine center. Their arrival follows US President Donald Trump signing of an Executive Order that imposes visa sanctions on countries that refuse to accept the deportation of their citizens, even amid the global new coronavirus pandemic. This also follows discussions with the US Embassy that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement would not deport individuals suspected of having the coronavirus,. One of those deported however tested positive for COVID-19 on 27 April.
Also on 21 April, the Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw made a declaration during a morning show interview where he detailed measures taken by the ministry to mitigate the financial challenges being endured by the country's farmers. Of these measures were the delivery and sale of farm fresh produce to Portmore, Saint Catherine which was under lockdown.
On 23 April, the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports Olivia Babsy Grange announced the receipt of JMD$4 million from Jamaica Cooperative Credit Union League towards the government's drive to raise funds for the purchasing from personal protective equipment.
On 24 April, the country's central bank announced the suspension of dividend payments during the 2020 financial year.
On 27 April, the Ministry of Health and Wellness announced the orders mandating the quarantine of Alorica employees remain in effect. To date, employees of Alorica and their contacts accounted for nearly 60% of all the COVID-19 cases during the pandemic.
May and June 2020
The government announced and launched the Controlled Re-Entry Programme allowing Jamaican cruise ship workers and expatriates to return to the island and placed under state mandated quarantine. The government also announced plans to ‘re-open’ the economy, ease some of the restrictions announced earlier in the year;, and to reopen the island's borders.In late June, the health ministry begun surveilling the communities of Norwood and West Kingston following upsurges in confirmed cases.