KINGSTON – Jamaica has confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus now called Covid-19.
Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said the virus has affected a woman who returned from the United Kingdom on March 4.
Following is the Minister’s full statement:
“The patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom, which has cases of COVID-19. She arrived in the island on March 4, presented to the public health system on March 9, and has been in isolation since then.
“Based on the patient’s travel history and symptoms, health professionals suspected COVID-19. A clinical sample was collected and sent to the National Influenza Centre, where laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis today at approximately 11am. The patient and family members have been informed.
“The patient’s infection was travel-related. However, steps are being taken to prevent the risk of community spread.
These measures include:
The dispatch of a health team to the home of the patient for assessment and initiation of public health
measures.
The identification and contact tracing for all possible exposed persons.
Meeting of ministry officials with members of staff at the hospital and the necessary interventions put in place.
