Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton has confirmed that the island is now experiencing a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections.
He made the revelation during a COVID-19 press conference on May 18.
“Upon reviewing the epidemiology data, we can confirm that Jamaica is currently experiencing the fifth wave of COVID-19. Based on a review of the epidemiological curves for confirmed cases and reproductive rates to identify the inflection point for increased cases. The inflection point for the fifth wave occurred around April 20,” the minister explained.
Dr. Tufton noted that the Omicron BA2 variant is likely driving the wave.
In the last 24 hours, Jamaica saw 147 new COVID-19 cases. Minister Tufton added that the positivity rate is 17.6 per cent.
Despite the declaration of the fifth wave, Dr. Tufton urged Jamaicans not to panic. He did however urge Jamaicans to get vaccinated against the virus.
“All persons 12 years and older should visit any of the over 100 vaccination centers to be vaccinated if they have not already done so,” he said.
According to COVID.Vax.Live, some 23 percent of Jamaica’s population is fully vaccinated. Despite the low vaccination rate, the government has reiterated that it will not be going back to strict measures like lockdowns but has urged residents to take personal responsibility.
