KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has been praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) Director and the US ambassador to Jamaica.
The commendations came yesterday as the government of Jamaica announced an isolation ward at the University Hospital of the West Indies, as well as increased health measures including crowds restrictions, the closure of bars and all entertainment venues, and quarantine requirements for all travellers from countries affected by the virus.
On Twitter, the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote: Thank you so much for your leadership – and preparedness – for #COVID19,
@christufton #Jamaica Being ready for #coronavirus is key to pushing it back fast. Together, for a safer world!”.
In a similar fashion, America’s top diplomat in the island, Donald Tapia congratulated Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Chris Tufton and the ministry for their preparedness. “We want to congratulate the Government of Jamaica (GoJ) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) for its timely reporting of COVID-19 cases and aggressive containment strategy. The MoHW has shown that one of the best defenses is appropriate public sensitization on preventative methods and the importance of early case recognition.”
Jamaica has confirmed 13 cases of the coronavirus, with dozens of residents and travellers in isolation and quarantine.
 Director and the US ambassador to Jamaica. ){kind=link}