The seven days of lockdown announced by the Prime Minister Andrew Holness, have been bolstered by the continued promotion of Jamaicans to take the jab with island-wide vaccination blitz to combat the third wave of infections.

Speaking in Bellrock Kingston, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says from what he has observed persons who have taken the vaccine have been doing well, especially with new and more dangerous variants. He reiterated that more than 90% of those hospitalized on the island are not vaccinated. The Prime Minister also called on Local Minister Desmond Mckenzie to declare his vaccination status to encourage residents to also take the jab. This he says is the only way the country will return to normality.

Minister McKenzie urged Jamaicans to get vaccinated as the vaccines work, and added that not only are they saving their lives, but also their families and others around them. He declared that he is fully vaccinated

Meanwhile, the Health and Wellness Ministry says, only 10% of the population has been vaccinated. A small number compared to what the country is aiming for to relax the COVID-19 measures, and over time reduce the coronavirus spread.

More in this CVM Live story from Paige Dixon: