Chikungunya threatens Jamaican productivity - JEF

Concern is mounting about the threat to productivity in Jamaica, in light of the  increase in suspected cases of the Chikungunya Virus.

   
Wayne Chen, immediate past-president of the Jamaica Employers' Federation (JEF), speaking on behalf of the Federation, told RJR News that there had been an increase in employee absenteeism due to symptoms similar to Chick V.

  

He said the impact of  Chick V on the work force and the ripple effect on the economy could be significant, but expressed hope that the authorities are doing all that can be done "to ensure that this outbreak doesn't rise to the level of an epidemic."

If that were to happen, he said, "it would... be catastrophic for Jamaica, from several points of view, certainly initially from the productivity point of view,  in terms of hours lost."

So far Jamaica has confirmed 35 cases of Chikungunya, with 352 suspected cases yet to be confirmed, according to a report from the Ministry of Health.

Tourism    

    

Mr. Chen added that the situation requires close monitoring to avoid adverse repercussions for the tourism sector, especially with the start of the winter tourist season being just weeks away.

Tourism Minister Dr. Wykeham McNeill disclosed on Monday that the Tourism Enhancement Fund  has been supporting initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of  Health to increase the awareness of  sector interests.