Jamaica yesterday surpassed 7,000 COVID-19 cases as the deadly second wave of the virus continues to ravage the island.
Although there is still a nightly curfew in place and residents are still required to wear masks and social distance, the island is still averaging over 100 COVID-19 cases and at least 2 deaths per day.
As of October 5, the island has 7,012 cases and 120 deaths. The dramatic spike has been attributed to events surrounding election day, mass gatherings and parties by locals and returning residents not following quarantine protocols.
On September 1st, just two days before the island’s general election, Jamaica has just 2,683 cases and 24 deaths.
Immediately after the Sept. 3 election, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton declared that the island was now in the phase of community spread and warned that there would be a rise in cases.
In just one month, the island has seen over 4,000 new cases and a staggering 96 deaths. The second wave has cancelled the reopening of face-to-face schooling, postponed this month’s carnival and virtually all other events for the remainder of the year.
