Press Conference : Update on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) - Mar 10, 2020

Jamaica today confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (#COVID-19) here in Kingston.

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 11:00 am. 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.

[omarwillis]

May god help us all becuz with the state of our healthcare system it naa go pretty

[chocolateqxeen]

Why are they allowing people from affected countries in Jamaica knowing the virus is spreading

[dkeen]

Where are the others on the plane she was on that's my concern

[hillarymcdonald]

Ensure that she is recovered quickly and quarantine her for the full 27 days. Conduct contact tracing starting from the airplane, airport, cab, funeral night night, supermarket, family, public places she went for the 6 days.

[OpalWisdom]

They need to screen everyone who came in on that particular flight which the patient arrived on

[candicemacdonald]

at 16:40, the lady says the virus cannot be transferred if the individual is not showing symptoms. That is not true. An infected individual can transfer the virus before showing symptoms. And they can have the virus for 7 days before showing symptoms. They should be contacted everyone on that flight!

[MrMerryOfficial]

Am jamaican and i have been following this in the us 33 states of the 52 states why not have a travel ban on #US as well

[knowthyself]

That one person has already spread that virus. From the plane to the airport, the meet and greeting, the vehicle traveled in, restaurants, household etc.

[sarahtrish]

Airport should have been locked down from day one

[itzkayshanboo]

All we have to do is pray and have faith, cause the Bible say we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and power in diverse places 🙏

[paulinehenry]

What about the person that sits beside her in the doctor waiting room? What about the the things she touch before she know that she is positive and the people who touch the door handles, bathroom pipes ext? Everyone who came close to her should be tested, if not many more cases in 2 to 14 days. Just tell it like it is so that more Lives could be save

[shanaegorden]

Hope the government know seh wen all d jamaicans dem ave it they will too💯

[jayersonskinner]

You can transmit the virus while being asymptomatic. So how can the say they were going on that assumption?

[romariopeterkin]

He still hasn’t answered why Uk isn’t on that list 🙄

[nicolettechanner]

So you inform her family ... okay ... aren't you going to have them and others she have come in contact with put in quarantine????
I tell you these ppl are something else...kmt

[jassettewalter]

Someone plz tell the Health Minister not to touch his face as he can contract covid-19 easily, the international Health Minister say the virus can stay on surface for 24 hrs, bull shit, if Jamacians are overseas, let them stay where they are, letting them bk in the country, will just help spread this virus, the poor will feel it most, wht abt the people how live in the rural part in Jamaica, how abt the people who can't afford to buy the necessary bacterial soap, its all comes down to proper hygiene, God help us all

[heatherhunter]

This sunday.. on march 15th I am traveling to Jamaica island.. with my dad... I pray.... everything goes welll. I am not touching no one.... I am going to wash my hands I pray for a safe travels... and health

[umadbro]

Yow, dem need fi gather all the people on the plane she took to Jamaica, only God alone can help because this naw go nice

[shadaciaball]

even though i have a heart for those infected, i believe that we dont have the proper equipment to ACCESS THOSE WE ARE INFECTED.

[jovyjovy]

Stay a uno yard plz. Life must go on but uno have to take drastic measures to preserve uno life😬