Persons Returning Home Must Remain In Quarantine For 14 Days – CMO

Jamaica News: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is imploring persons who have returned home or are visiting the island to remain in quarantine for the required 14 days, to ensure the safety of all.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s head office on June 25, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, said it is important for all parties concerned to be aware of the guidelines.

She informed that between June 1 and June 25, more than 10,000 persons returned to the island and that from all indications, the numbers are going to increase during the summer months.

“Most countries have active transmission of COVID-19 and there is a risk that persons returning may have been exposed to the disease, whether or not they are having symptoms,” the CMO said.

“Persons with symptoms are at high risk for transmitting the disease. Some persons without symptoms may also be transmitting the disease, and Jamaicans, therefore, cannot differentiate between persons who may have COVID-19 and persons who do not, so it is important that at all times we take precautions,” she warned.

The CMO pointed out that persons who are returning to the island will be required to stay home for 14 days.

“They come in now and they are tested and they are asked to stay at home for 14 days for resident Jamaicans and for non-resident Jamaicans who are not going to a tourist area. They are to keep themselves separated from their families as much as possible, maintain physical distancing of six-feet space between themselves and other persons, wear a mask in the house, wash their hands frequently, and sanitise surfaces that they may touch frequently, such as light switches, door knobs, fridge handles and countertops,” she explained.

“They must understand that they have to stay in quarantine for a period of time to safeguard themselves, their families and the entire country and it must be everybody’s responsibility,” the CMO added.

According to the CMO, the country has now transitioned into a process of learning to live with COVID-19 and that in lifting the restrictions at the borders to allow both Jamaicans and non-nationals to enter the country, it is imperative that the guidelines are followed to safeguard the health of the entire population.

Source: JIS News