Expert: Curve flattening but spread risk clear

Jamaicans have been warned to exercise caution and adhere to social-distancing and personal-health protocols even though the transmission curve of COVID-19 appears to be flattening.

National Epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster-Kerr disclosed via a virtual press conference yesterday evening that Jamaicans should not be lulled into complacency by multiple consecutive days of single-digit positive results.

“There is some local transmission going on, even though it may not be large numbers yet, but something is happening. This means that we all have to be careful how we operate or act because we don’t know who may be having COVID,” Webster-Kerr said.

The epidemiologist noted a recent surge in cases and then a falling trajectory in infections – “doubling every five days and we are moving towards a 10-day doubling, so there is some flattening that is occurring”.

She re-emphasised that persons stay home unless travelling for work or to purchase essentials, wear a mask, and stay six feet apart from each other.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton reiterated the need for elderly persons, and those with underlying medical conditions, to remain on guard.

Tufton also revealed that the Auditor General’s Department would begin an audit of the $2.5-billion spend in combating the new coronavirus.

Jamaica’s COVID-19 tally moved to 478 yesterday, with an additional five cases, including an 18-year-old St Mary man who is a contact of a previously confirmed case.

The others are three men aged 18 to 69 and a girl who is 17 years old.