Alorica call centre in Portmore, St. Catherine
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'Margaret', an employee of Alorica in Portmore
A call has come from an employee of the Alorica call centre in Portmore, St. Catherine for Jamaicans to show more tolerance towards the workers, as discrimination heightens against them due to the number of positive cases of COVID-19 identified at the location.
The Ministry of Health on Sunday reported that 178 of the 350 confirmed coronavirus cases in Jamaica are from the call centre.
The employee, who we will call Margaret, said she has been under home quarantine, has been tested and is awaiting the result.
Margaret told Radio Jamaica News on Monday morning that she has been reading the negative comments spoken against employees of Alorica and it has left her feeling distressed.
She alluded to a story in the Gleaner on Monday, where residents on Queens Drive in Montego Bay, are upset about the use of the El Greco resort as a quarantine facility.
"What is the government supposed to do with us? Throw us away? We have this world anthem that says, 'One Love', so it's time to show "one love" to our people. Nobody went out and buy COVID-19... Some of the persons in quarantine, there are hardly any symptoms and we're being treated as if its leprosy," she complained.
She said she understands the fear associated with the virus, but if safety guidelines are followed, the risks of contracting the virus will be minimised.
Margaret argued that instead of the negativity, Jamaicans could seek to help the quarantined workers with basic necessities.
She said the discrimination is particularly hurting the largely young population from the call centre and she has had to begin acting as a mentor to them.
Quarantine orders
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health has said quarantine orders for all employees of the Alorica Call Centre remain in effect.
In a media release Monday afternoon, the ministry said all employees must remain at home until they are contacted by the St. Catherine Health Department, even if the 14-day period of quarantine has expired.
It said those employees who are experiencing anxiety or stress associated with the wait for their test results are encouraged to contact the ministry's Helpline at 888-639-5433.
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