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Why are COVID cases on the rise?

Published:Friday | February 26, 2021 | 12:08 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Why, despite the numerous and consistent protocols and curfews implemented by the Government of Jamaica, since last year, has the COVID-19 pandemic spread so swiftly throughout Jamaica in recent times?

Was it the reopening of Jamaica’s borders, beginning in June of 2020, that caused a gradual increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections? Was that move, in hindsight, a mistake by the Government?

To what extent has the non-implementation of any fines for COVID-19 protocol breaches – such as proper mask-wearing, sanitisation of hands, and physical distancing – led to an increase in the rate of COVID-19 spread?

Why, unlike previously, is there, today, hardly any sign of the proactive disinfecting of local supermarket/pharmacy shelves, ABMs, shop counters, etc.?

I can’t help but wonder just how many local COVID-19 cases, between June 1, 2020, to date, were preventable, the primary reason for the current surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, why legislation has yet to emerge to punish COVID-19 protocol breakers, and to what degree have local curfews been in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

These are important questions that Jamaican residents should be asking and demanding answers for.

PATRICK GALLIMORE

pagalley@protonmail.com