Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton - file photo
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Dr. Christopher Tufton
The spotlight has been placed on the parishes of Manchester and St. Ann where the Health Ministry is reporting there are signs of uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said the situation is worrying as these parishes now have the two highest rates of infection on the island.
"As at January 11, 2021, St. Ann has 75 active cases, while Manchester has 68 active cases. When assessed by population, St. Ann has 35 per 100,000 population of cases, while Manchester 43 (per 100,000). Now, bare in mind I said earlier that we were averaging 2.5 (per 100,000), so to have 35 and 43 respectively, is a major cause for concern," Dr. Tufton lamented.
Westmoreland
Dr. Tufton also addressed the situation in Westmoreland, announcing that the stricter COVID-19 control measures imposed on the parish will not be extended.
Westmoreland has been under tighter restrictions since December 16.
The measures were scheduled to expire on Friday.
In extending the measures more than a week ago, the Office of the Prime Minister had disclosed that the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital was beyond its COVID-19 isolation capacity.
But according to Dr. Tufton, the situation has now improved, so there is no need to continue to increased restrictions.
"Today, I can report that the intervention has resulted in the reduction in reported cases to 51 active cases as of January 11th, 2021. The total occupancy at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital is now 56 per cent for isolation, a reduction from as high as 80 per cent reported in December," he revealed.
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