JAMAICAN PRIME Minister Andrew Holness has declared the island a disaster area because of the threat of coronavirus infection.
Holness made the announcement at a press conference at Jamaica House yesterday (March 13).
He said that the country is trying as hard as possible to contain the spread of COVID-19, and as such the Government has activated the 2015 Disaster Risk Management Act, the Emergency Powers Act and the Public Health Act.
“This means we can do whatever is required to control the spread of this disease,” he said.
Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte explained that, “If there is suspicion that something is happening in your private place which may affect the disaster at hand, the minister can authorise checks being done without warrants or permissions”.
Jamaica has so far reported eight cases of coronavirus infection.
Holness also announced a travel ban on the United Kingdom, the source country for Jamaica’s first imported case.
The latest measures to combat the virus outlined by the government include putting part of the island under quarantine and recruiting retired medical professionals.
Already, the Seven and Eight Miles communities of Bull Bay, St Andrew have been declared a quarantine area.
Soldiers and police have been deployed there to restrict movements in an out of the communities.
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We need to stop all from Europe, Asia, cruise ships and any countries that shows evidence of the virus. The best way to control is to firstly test all who show symptoms which will give you data to look at.
It will cost you millions – We are planning to come over in May – If we are canceled we will be going to the middle east – Sorry but is our holiday
Why would they risk people coming in, when the uk government done sweet FA to stop it spreading g?
so can you travel if a holiday is booked
Only under extreme circumstances an then you will.still be quarantined for up to 14 days.
Please stay 2 metres away from everyone unless you live with them. Keep clean everyday with everything you touch outside. Cover your mouth with your elbow if you cough. Use a tissue for your nose and throw it away. This can be a deadly virus for anyone of any age. Keep serious distance even in the shop. Wait your two metre distance and all should be well. Dont forget to wash your hands when you get home. Also it is not the Chinese fault. It started by one in China. Not the ones who live in Jamacia. They are worried too. We are all in this together to beat this invisable war. If do need to work. Follow the same rule. Wash, clean amd stay far from people you dont live with. Even your best friend. Assume everyone has it. Maybe they dont carry any covid19 symptoms …Yet! 2-10 to show symptoms. Only come out if you have to. The less the better.