(CMR) Jamaica continues to see a spike in COVID-19 cases, with 403 cases recorded within the last 24 hours. This is the highest number of cases recorded in one day.
This is the third time within days that the country had a record number of cases. On Friday, for the first time, the country recorded 263 cases. The country saw another record with 328 positive cases a day later.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton told NationWide News on Tuesday that approximately 2000 samples were tested. He said the country's positivity rate was now at 20 percent with the recent surge in cases.
Dr. Tufton is expected to provide more information on this increase later Tuesday.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness is also expected to address the nation.
The recent spike in COVID-19 cases could be linked to increased social gatherings, officials have said.
“There has been an increase in the number of social gatherings across the country, especially in the corporate area. These events will increase exposure and infections,” Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie said.
She said the younger age groups who attend these functions are likely to become infected but will have mild symptoms.
“They are, however, spreading to the older and more vulnerable populations leading to an increase in hospitalizations and severe illness. In addition, the increased number of cases in the 20 to 39 age group continues to drive the infection rate putting the entire population at risk for more restrictive measures,” Bisasor McKenzie added.
Jamaica has recorded 17,701 cases of COVID-19, with 12,318 recovered and 358 deaths. The country has 4,793 active cases.
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