My apologies for not writing more about many other issues that concern me (and there are many important ones, especially related to the environment and climate change). However, COVID-19 has overwhelmed everything and everyone. We were shocked to learn the numbers for yesterday (August 12). The Delta variant (and the expected Third Wave) is clearly with us.
Please, please get vaccinated! Vaccines are here. Don’t delay!
In case you missed last night’s lengthy press briefing at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, here is the recording.
Here is a release from the Ministry:
Jamaica records 544 new COVID-19 positives
- 8 deaths confirmed while hospitals remain over capacity
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, August 13, 2021: In the last 24 hours, Jamaica has confirmed 544 new cases of COVID-19 infections and eight (8) deaths while hospitals islandwide remain over capacity, reinforcing the need for redoubled efforts at infection prevention and control as well as increased vaccinations.
The total number of infections seen by the island now moves to 56,709 since the first case was recorded last year while the death toll climbs to 1,276.
On the status of hospitals, facilities across the Western, Southern and North East health regions have exceeded their COVID-19 capacity, though there is no shortage of oxygen stores. Hospitals in the South East Health Region, meanwhile, are inching closer to full capacity at 85%.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to urge Jamaicans to remain vigilant with their mask wearing, keeping a physical distance from others and frequently washing and/or sanitising hands.
The Ministry is also encouraging Jamaicans to get vaccinated. There is an islandwide vaccination blitz on this weekend as Regional Health Authorities activate some 23 sites across 11 parishes.
Members of the public are asked to make their appointments online at https://www.moh.gov.jm or call the Vaccination Call Centre at 888-ONE-LOVE (888-663-5683). Once persons have received their appointment confirmation, they are to visit their vaccination site on time and with their TRN and government-issued identification or letter from a Justice of the Peace.
As at 9:00 am this morning, the island’s vaccination numbers were up to 393,863. Of that number, 258,466 were first doses, 134,462 second doses and 935 single doses.
Petchary's Blog 
Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
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