According to the Jamaica Observer newspaper, the increase to 1,290 confirmed cases with the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, causes concern to health personnel due to the fact of omitting biosecurity measures during political activities prior to the early elections for the ninth month of the year.
Health and Welfare Minister Christopher Tufton reported in yesterday’s update the presence of 416 active cases, eight patients are moderately ill, one person is in critical condition, while recoveries increased to 788.
Regarding the towns of Albion and Seaforth in St. Thomas, Tufton said that they maintain the quarantine period until September 2, after registering 13 new positives to the virus in recent weeks.
The protocols introduced in consultation with the health authority and the parties themselves allow the use of caravans in the electoral campaign and the exchange of candidates with their supporters in stops of a maximum of 15 minutes and up to 20 citizens gathered.
It also establishes that no more than four people should travel in a car and when using a bus, the distance between passengers must be respected in order to avoid contagion by Covid-19.
In the midst of this scenario, the main political forces call on the people to wear a face mask and to respect social distancing during the electoral campaign, after the rebound of almost 600 infections in the Caribbean nation since last July 13.
The ruling Labor Party and the opposition National People’s Party stand out as the main contenders in the September 3 elections seeking a majority of the 63 seats in the House of Representatives of Parliament.
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