The government says it will not be able to facilitate repatriation of large groups of Jamaicans for another 14 days as its quarantine facilities are now full.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says up to yesterday there were more than 600 people in quarantine and isolation facilities.
More than 8,000 Jamaicans have applied to return home via a government website.
According to the Prime Minister, A state quarantine of such a large number would mean an inordinate delay in their return.
He says the Government is now working towards the development of a home quarantine solution incorporating technology that will facilitate the geo-fencing and monitoring of persons re-entering Jamaica.
The Prime Minister says this is aimed at ensuring they stay in their designated quarantine area which may include their home.
Prime Minister says sorry
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says up to yesterday there were more than 600 people in quarantine and isolation facilities.
More than 8,000 Jamaicans have applied to return home via a government website.
According to the Prime Minister, A state quarantine of such a large number would mean an inordinate delay in their return.
He says the Government is now working towards the development of a home quarantine solution incorporating technology that will facilitate the geo-fencing and monitoring of persons re-entering Jamaica.
The Prime Minister says this is aimed at ensuring they stay in their designated quarantine area which may include their home.
Prime Minister says sorry
The prime minister has apologised for the conditions in the quarantine facilities.
There have been complaints about persons going for hours without food, then being served poor-quality meals.
There were also complaints about long processing times and wait to enter the facility.
In a media release yesterday, Mr. Holness said the issues encountered by the returning Jamaicans are completely unacceptable.
Speaking on Beyond the Headlines, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, said capacity issues and stigma led to some of the issues.
The Government says it has already taken some remedial actions and is working to completely rectify the situation.
Holness says the relevant Ministries and Agencies have been directed to use the next 14 days to explore ways of rapidly scaling up capacity as it relates to accommodations and logistics.
Holness says the relevant Ministries and Agencies have been directed to use the next 14 days to explore ways of rapidly scaling up capacity as it relates to accommodations and logistics.
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