The Government is standing firm in its decision to ease Covid-19 restrictions despite concerns about the latest Covid variant. During a media briefing on Thursday, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says the ministry used policy to strike a balance considering the risks involved.

Dr. Tufton is defending the government’s decision to withdraw Covid-19 restrictions. He says Jamaicans should not live in regret as it was a necessary step to return to normality. Many citizens have stopped wearing masks since the mask mandate was removed. Still the Health Ministry urges caution as Covid-19 cases increase. Though the positivity rate is of concern hospitalizations are down. Dr. Tufton says monitoring of the Covid-19 trends will continue.

Reporter: Jhanielle Powell