1,128 COVID-19 Cases in 24 Hours, Jamaicans Urged to Get Vaccinated

Jamaica’s Health Ministry recorded a whopping one thousand, one hundred and twenty-eight (1,128) confirmed COVID-19 Cases for the last 24 hours, three new deaths. The Health Minister describes this as the most recorded to date.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher says “the persons who are most affected by the COVID-19, irrespective of the strain (whether it’s Delta or Omicron) are the persons who are not vaccinated. He believes it is a sobering message to those who are not vaccinated, that you are in increased danger and should make every effort to get vaccinated.

The Minister reported that 1 229 977 Million doses of vaccines were administered and approximately 580,000 Jamaicans vaccinated.

Continuing with the COVID-19 conversation was the Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, Jamaica Jacquiline Bisasor-Mckenzie, reporting that Jamaica is in the first stage of the fourth wave of the virus, which started around the 20th of September, 2021. The reproductive rate is increasing, however CMO shares that if it continues to skyrocket, there will also be an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Fayval Williams reported on schools that reopened in 2022 and the necessary activities needed for a seamless start. She shares that some schools are open all day depending on the capacity, while others are on rotation, giving students an opportunity to be a part of face-to-face learning. She revealed that representatives from the Health Ministry will be revisiting the schools across Jamaica to ensure the educational environment is in order, and appropriate signage is placed where needed. Minister Williams reported that parents and educators are fully aware of the protocols and that more technology has entered the classroom so students at home can also be involved.

The Health Minister is again encouraging Jamaicans to get vaccinated. Commenting on his third boost, which he received that the Spanish Town Hospital (on Wednesday, January 5, 2022) while commending the efforts of the front line workers.

This story will be updated subsequent to our newscast