A second community has been placed under surveillance by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOWH) as the country works to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Friday (June 26) who named Flanker in St James as the second community.
While it is unclear why Flanker was chosen, Jamaica has continued to see a rise in new COVID-19 cases; on Thursday (June 25) the country recorded six new cases.
According to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the surveillance is a part of the government’s response to containing the spread of the coronavirus.
The surveillance in the community means that some resources will be diverted from the airports, but PM Holness, speaking on a local radio programme, said it was necessary to prevent another outbreak.
Flanker joins West Kingston, which is currently being monitored by health officials.
The Southeast Regional Health Authority (SERHA) began surveillance activity in West Kingston on Wednesday (June 25) after five COVID-19 cases were recorded in the area.
Close to100 health staff were deployed in West Kingston to conduct house to house visits and assess the residents for respiratory symptoms.
Residents with symptoms or those deemed to be at high risk will be tested for COVID-19 and quarantine orders served.
Health Minister Christopher Tufton said the results of the initial surveillance would determine whether the ministry moves to quarantine the West Kingston community.
