The Emancipendence weekend two weeks away, and the opposition is raising concerns about the likelihood that the recently announced uptick in COVID-19 cases will worsen.

The Government announced on July 21 that there would be an assessment of the measures to decide if tighter measures should be re-imposed.

Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Morais Guy, questioned whether the uptick in cases specifically in Western Jamaica is linked to the now infamous Mocha Fest.

In response, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says measures are in place to prevent a repeat of last year’s post-Emancipendence holiday spike in Covid-19 cases.

Holness says additional measures will be put in place for smaller events to ensure promoters and patrons are adhering to the safety guidelines.

He also discounted claims that he was in attendance at a party, allegedly for a politician recently.

He says it is important for leaders to lead by example and abide by the guidelines imposed to manage the spread of the virus.

The Government is to update the country by Tuesday, July 27, on whether or not the COVID-19 measures will be tightened.

More in this CVM Live story from Christeen Forbes: