New COVID-19 Cases Detected In Whitfield Town & Waterford

The Ministry of Health is reporting that  thirty-three (33) new COVID-19 cases have been detected in Whitfield Town and Waterford since the Health Officials visited the communities last week.

Both areas were declared COVID-19 hot spots after recording an alarming number of active cases.

Sixteen new COVID-19 cases have been detected in Whitfield Town in St. Andrew and another seventeen in Waterford, Portmore, St. Catherine since the Ministry of Health officials came into the communities last week.

Both communities recorded worrying COVID-19 cases which resulted in the areas being declared as a “COVID-Hotspot”.

Health Minister. Dr. Christopher Tufton says at least three more communities are being monitored  after  recording worrying COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Tufton who was speaking after touring both communities says there is a strong stigmatization in the areas. 

Nurse Vassell Shettewood who leads the Health Officials in the Whitfield Town community says residents do not want the Health Officials at their homes, fearing that their neighbours may think they have contracted the virus.

She says she has to meet residents outside of the community to relay positive test results.

“I’ve had to meet persons at the May Pen Ceremony, we’ve had to meet people in open lots. Anywhere where they feel comfortable,” she says.

Meanwhile over in Waterford, Health Officer, Dr. Kemisha Shaw Kelly says 177 residents have been tested for the virus, 17 of the tests are positive.

According to the Ministry of Health, Waterford had 25 active COVID-19 cases and five deaths prior to the quarantine. And like those in Whitfield Town, residents are refusing to get tested. 

But there may be another health scare for Waterford residents -dengue. 

The Health Minister has committed to regular fogging in the area but is calling on the community to play their part.

CVM LIVE‘s Jamaila Maitland reports: