House-to-house visits to West Kingston after 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health and Welfare reports that the Southern Regional Health Authority (SERHA) launched community surveillance activities in West Kingston this morning, following the recent confirmation of five cases of COVID-19.

The individuals are contacts from a confirmed case that recently returned to the island from the United States.

The ministry said about 100 health staff members, including nurses, public health inspectors, public health nurses and community health assistants, will make house-to-house visits and screen residents for respiratory symptoms. She noted that residents with symptoms and those that the health team considers to be at high risk will be evaluated for COVID-19 and quarantine orders will be followed.

According to the ministry, fieldwork in the community began yesterday when staff from the Kingston and St Andrew health department began their health education and community engagement program. This was expected to be completed today, the ministry said.

The ministry reminded the public of the need for increased vigilance in maintaining quarantine orders that have been issued to people who recently returned to the island.

In addition, he reminded the public of the need to maintain infection prevention and control practices, such as frequent hand washing and disinfecting, wearing masks in public spaces and around people in quarantine, covering the cough with a disposable tissue, and getting rid of it. . in the closest receptacle, and disinfection of high frequency areas in homes.

Members of the public are also reminded that when people return to the island and are quarantined, other family members must keep at least six feet away and ensure that the person is kept separate from those at risk in families, such as the elderly and people with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.