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Based on the assessment of the technical team in the MOHW and after consultation with the technical team at the PAHO/WHO on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, I am now advising the Public that Jamaica is declaring community transmission of the SARS-CoV2 virus.
@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

Community transmission means the inability to relate confirmed cases through chains of transmission for a large number of cases, and the increasing positive tests through sentinel samples especially from persons coming to health centres and hospitals.

@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

In making this declaration we are alerting the public that the transmission of the virus can no longer be easily traced from one member of the population to the other and that the concern for the transmission for COVID-19 is now islandwide.
@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

This change in the phase of the pandemic may mean that over the next 6 – 8 weeks the population may see a steep rise in the number of cases reported.

@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

While the majority of persons will not have symptoms that will require them to visit a doctor or be hospitalized; more persons are expected to seek medical attention in private and public facilities.

@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

This stage of the pandemic will also mean that we will need to strengthen the Infection Prevention and Control measures to reduce the rate of spread within the population and more importantly protect the vulnerable.
@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

Given these prerequisites the health team has already began to re-examine the protocols already in place and will issue new protocols to better guide the public in how we operate within the context of the new phase.
@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

Early discussions with the Prime-Minister will result in new measures that will come into effect on Monday, September 7, 2020. Some of these new measures may include:
• The increase in the curfew restrictions to 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM across the island

@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

• An increase in the stay at home orders for the elderly
• Re-emphasis on the work from orders for the private and public sector
• Restrictions on public gathering.

@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

As was stated at our different discussions with you, the Community Transmission phase was an anticipated next part of the COVID-19 plan and we have prepared and continue to prepare the infrastructure within the health sector to respond appropriately to its impact.
@themohwgovjm

The major focus of the health team therefore, in accordance with the plan, is to:

• Continue the coordination with our different partners locally and internationally

• Reorient our surveillance systems to assist in the creation of appropriate management information for effective and efficient decision making
• Strengthen the capacity of our lab resources to include collaboration with private labs

• Continue to strengthen the support for hospitals through increased bed capacity by 600 and increase the cadre of staff available to respond to patient needs
• Ensure the effective communication with all levels and stakeholders within the population

• Continue the surveillance and management at the points of entry to include our airports and seaports to reduce the number of imported cases.

I must state here that there is no need for panic. What is required at this time is a commitment from all Jamaicans to take personal responsibility for their health and take every precaution necessary to prevent yourself from contracting the virus.

However, if you are infected, you also should not panic. Ensure that you make every effort to boost your immunity through exercise and having an appropriate diet. Call our helplines for guidance if there are any signs of increased complications.

I encourage persons, especially persons 65 years and over or persons with hypertension and diabetes to pay close attention to any symptoms that you have that could be a sign of COVID-19. If they worsen, seek advice early from a medical professional.

I urge continued vigilance from the entire population and remind you to practice all Infection Prevention and Control Protocols. Now more than ever, we must take personal responsibility for our health.

@themohwgovjm #JaCovid19

#JaCovid19 cases by date of symptom onset:

CMO, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie @themohwgovjm

#JaCovid19 Positivity Rate

Active COVID 19 cases by community

Projections of #JaCovid19 respiratory infections