(CMR) The United States Department of State has warned citizens to avoid travel to Jamaica due to COVID-19 related conditions and to exercise increased caution while in the country due to crime.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Jamaica due to COVID-19, indicating a moderate level of COVID-19 in the country. The Government of Jamaica has in place mandatory quarantine periods due to COVID-19 that could seriously impact a U.S. citizen’s ability to depart Jamaica, the Department said in its advisory.
Persons were told not to travel to some areas of Kingston, Montego Bay, and Spanish Town due to crime.
According to the advisory, violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. It also stated that sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts, and that local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Emergency services vary throughout the island, and response times may vary from U.S. standards. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to areas listed below, from using public buses, and from driving outside of prescribed areas of Kingston at night,” the advisory stated.
The Department said violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Kingston and warned citizens not to travel to Cassava Piece, Grants Pen, Standpipe aandand Downtown Kingston, defined as between Mountain View Avenue and Hagley Park Road, and south of Half Way Tree and Old Hope Roads. Downtown Kingston includes Trench Town, Tivoli Gardens, and Arnett Gardens.
Citizens were also told to avoid the following areas of Montego Bay: Canterbury, Clavers Street, Flankers, Hart Street, Norwood, and Rose Heights.
They were also told to avoid Spanish Town as violence and shootings occur regularly.
Persons who travel to Jamaica were also told to avoid walking or driving at night, avoid public buses, and avoid secluded places or situations.
They were also warned not to physically resist any robbery attempt, be aware of their surroundings, and keep a low profile.
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