No Coronavirus In Jamaica, Says Tufton

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton says categorically that there is no truth to the claim that there is a case of the coronavirus at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Tufton made the declaration at a press conference this afternoon at his Ministry at which he also announced that a travel advisory will be issued for people heading to Jamaica from China.

He further said that Jamaica will be heightening its vigilance at ports of entry, adding that the Ministry will be trying to reach out to all travellers who returned to the island from China in the past month.

He added that he has met with the Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica and his delegation.

Tufton underscored that Jamaica remains open for business and appealed to Jamaicans not to isolate Chinese because of the coronavirus in their country.

Meanwhile, also addressing reporters, Medical Chief of Staff at the health facility Dr Carl Bruce said a patient, who recently travelled to Asia, was transferred to UHWI from another hospital.

Bruce said out of an abundance of caution, the patient was isolated.

However, he assured that the patient showed no symptoms of the coronavirus and will be discharged soon.

And acting chief medical officer Dr Karen Webster-Kerr told reporters that as of today, if there is a suspected case, a sample will be sent to the United States for testing.