Last Updated on March 18, 2020, 8:34 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Jamaican Government has said that after March 18, all travellers from coming from the countries having a local transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will now be asked to self-quarantine for a period up to 14 days.
The Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, in a press conference, said that social distancing and quarantine are the most effective methods of controlling the spread of the virus.
Dr Tufton said that if someone has to move from a country with the internal spread of the virus, they shall do so in such a manner that makes sure that they would not transmit the virus to anyone else in case they have the virus.
The Government of Jamaica has also imposed travel restrictions on eight countries due to the COVID-19. The countries included in the travel restriction, are; China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Singapore, Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
He added that the travel restrictions would still stay in effect and in addition to that, for all other persons travelling from a country, which has an internal spread of the virus, would be required to be quarantined.
The restrictions, apply to all the Jamaicans and all Jamaicans who have travelled to any of the countries which fall under the travel restrictions or has an internal spread of the virus, within the last 14 days would still have landing privileges in the country as per the law. However, they will be subjected to health assessments and quarantines after they have landed.
Dr Tufton has also stated that the visitors in hotels are also required to follow the quarantine rules.
He said that the travellers would be able to leave the island at the date and time of their scheduled departure or even before that in case they desire so, but once they enter in Jamaica, they must be subjected to the quarantine period.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
