22 Delta variant cases discovered in Jamaica

The government of Jamaica discovers 22 cases of Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. This variant is categorized to be highly contagious. The government assured the public for keeping them updated regarding the situation.

While giving a statement, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said that they had received 40 results from the 60 samples sent to the (Trinidad0based) Caribbean Public Health Agency. Twenty-two were reported positive for the Delta Variant.

According to the statement, the epidemiology and laboratory teams have been doing further analysis to check if there is any particular significant factor related to the 22 identified.

The confirmation was made for the presence of the Delta variant when Jamaica recorded 289 new COVD-19, with which 19 deaths were also logs in the country. Jamaica has 59,377 total infectious cases at present. The first case was confirmed last year while the total number of deaths stands at 1,339.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness said that hospitals over the country had exceeded their COVID-19 bed capacity. At the same time, fewer healthcare workers ask members of the public to stay careful in their practice of infection prevention and control standards, mask-wearing, keeping physical distancing from others and constantly washing and sanitizing hands.

Jamaica would receive its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine from the United States on Thursday, children and teens will be prioritized for vaccination. The ministry also announced that.

The donation would be delivered in three shipments above three months, with an initial 204,000 doses to make up the first shipment.

Tufton said, “It has never been more important for our people, including those 12 years and older, to get vaccinated. The Pfizer vaccine has been proven safe and is approved for use in children and adolescents. I urge the public’s support for our efforts, as we prioritize their vaccination in the coming days.”