Jamaica records Two COVID-19 deaths, 74 new positives

Regrettably, the Ministry of Health and Wellness confirms two new COVID-19 related deaths. The deceased are a 90-year-old male of a Kingston & St. Andrew address and a 34-year-old female of a St James address, who’s death previously reported as under investigation. Both also had comorbidities and we express condolences to the families of the deceased.

There is one death that was previously under investigation that has been determined to be a coincidental finding of COVID-19 in a terminally-ill 90-year-old female of a St Catherine address. The total number of deaths from COVID-19 is now 40 (1.1 %). Total coincidental deaths of COVID-19 positive individuals stands at four (4). Three more deaths in COVID-19 positive individuals remain under investigation.

Jamaica’s confirmed COVID-19 cases are now up to 3,511 with the addition of 74 new positives in the last 24 hours. Recoveries have also increased by 32 bring the total number of persons, who have recovered and have been released from care to 1,051(29.9%.). Of the 74 newly confirmed cases, there were 40 females and 34 males. Their ages range from 4 years to 80 years. The cases were recorded in Kingston and St. Andrew (29), St. Catherine (12), Portland (11), Clarendon (8), Manchester (5), St. Ann (4) and Trelawny (4) and St. Thomas (1). All 74 cases are under investigation.

There are currently 2,342 (66.7%) actives cases being monitored across the island, while some 71 (2%) of the cases on record have returned to their countries of origin. Of the active cases, 26 patients are moderately ill and 8 critically ill patients.

Jamaica now has on record 459 imported cases; 693 cases that are contacts of confirmed cases;236 cases are related to the workplace cluster in St. Catherine; 251 are local transmissions (not epidemiologically linked), and 1,872 cases are under investigation.

Some 1,931 (55%), of the confirmed cases are females and there are 1,577 (45%) males. The sex classification of 3 cases are being investigated.  The ages of all confirmed cases range from 13 days to 97 years.

Jamaicans must consistently observe all the infection prevention and control measures to guard against the further spread of COVID-19, as the country is now in the community transmission phase of the pandemic.

These measures include the frequent washing of hands with soap and water; maintaining the prescribed six-feet physical distance from others; and wearing a mask when in public. Visitors and returning residents must also comply with the quarantine orders.

Clinical Management Summary as at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2020