The Foreign Office (FCDO) has warned UK travellers not to travel to Jamaica as Covid cases rise on the Caribbean island.

The FCDO updated its guidance on Saturday to advise against all non-essential travel to Jamaica. The changes to travel advice were issued due to the “current assessment of Covid-19 risks” on the island.

The news prompted holiday firm TUI, to announce the cancellation of all its holidays to Jamaica because of the changes in the FCDO guidance.

In a statement posted on its website over the Bank Holiday weekend, TUI said: “Due to the updated travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advising against all but essential travel to Jamaica, TUI UK have cancelled all holidays to Jamaica until Saturday 11th September 2021. 

“Customers currently on holiday in Jamaica can continue their holiday and return to the UK on their planned flight. Customers will be contacted in departure date order to discuss their options, which will include amending to another holiday with an incentive or cancelling and receiving a full refund.  We’d like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.” 

Yesterday, Jamaica reported 729 new Covid-19 cases and announced eight more Covid-related deaths.

According to local news reports, there are currently 767 people in hospital with Covid in Jamaica. 

Last week Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a series of strict lockdowns to halt the spread of the virus. The new rules included seven “no movement days”, which prohibited residents from leaving their homes –unless they were essential workers.

Yesterday, thousands of Jamaicans held a day of prayer and fasting hosted by the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches, as a symbol of hope for the country.

Jamaica is currently classified as an amber country on the Department of Transport’s official travel list, but there is speculation it will be placed on red list at the next government review.

According to the latest data presented by the Jamaican government, approximately 5% of the population has been fully vaccinated.

Jamaica will go into a one-day lockdown on 5 September 2021.