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02 Apr 2020 | 03:26 AM UTC

Jamaica: Government to impose night-time curfew from April 1 /update 4

Jamaican officials have introduced a seven-day nationwide overnight curfew from April 1 amid COVID-19 outbreak; further spread of the virus is expected in the near term

Critical

Event

The Jamaican government has implemented a seven-day curfew from Wednesday, April 1, until Wednesday, April 8. The night-time curfew will be in place from 20:00 to 06:00 (local time) as part of efforts to control the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Workers in essential services are exempt from the curfew but will be required to provide a photo ID to prove their employment.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a national disaster on Friday, March 14, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Quarantine measures were imposed on all travelers arriving from COVID-19-affected countries before all airports and seaports were closed to incoming passenger traffic on Saturday, March 21.

To date, Jamaican authorities have confirmed 44 cases of COVID-19 in the country, including three associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

  • Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
  • When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
  • If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.