Tag: Ministry of Health and Wellness

An Update on COVID-19 and the Vaccine from the Health and Wellness Minister

January 13, 2021

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton updated the Lower House this afternoon on the situation regarding COVID-19 and the possibilities regarding a vaccine. It’s really a mixed picture of some successes, some concerns – and otherwise hanging in there and continuing to believe that “this too shall pass.” I have highlighted a few … More An Update on COVID-19 and the Vaccine from the Health and Wellness Minister

Health Ministry, NERHA mourn loss of Tyrone Robinson

January 3, 2021

COVID-19 continues to take its toll. Now a senior member of Jamaica’s health infrastructure has passed away from COVID-19 complications – a man whom Minister of Health and Wellness Christopher Tufton described this evening as a friend and a “hands-on Chairman,” whose advice and guidance he greatly valued. Here is the Ministry’s press release: Health … More Health Ministry, NERHA mourn loss of Tyrone Robinson

302 Travellers from the UK now in State Quarantine

December 22, 2020

Here’s an update from the Ministry of Health and Wellness regarding Jamaica’s travel ban on flights from the UK, announced earlier today. Two flights were still scheduled to arrive tomorrow, but these have now been canceled. I think this is a wise move. 302 Travellers from the UK now in State Quarantine KINGSTON, Jamaica. Monday, … More 302 Travellers from the UK now in State Quarantine

ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

December 22, 2020

I get the feeling that Jamaicans are anxious to get to the Christmas holidays, so that we can clear our heads and try to get over this horrible year. The past week has been filled with dramas, sadness, and some sweetness and light. The weather continues to be quite deliciously soothing. I am looking forward … More ICYMI in Jamaica, December 21, 2020: The “Does It Feel Like Christmas” Edition

Public health team works to contain COVID-19 spread at Bellevue Hospital

December 16, 2020

It’s an anxious time. In addition to the increase in cases of COVID-19 in western Jamaica (where I heard on the television news this evening that the four public hospital serving the region are now 80 to 90 percent full to capacity), clusters seem to be appearing: Following the cluster at the Police Academy, reported … More Public health team works to contain COVID-19 spread at Bellevue Hospital

Health Minister Calls for Review of Blood Bank Operations

November 23, 2020

As I mentioned in my latest news update, disconcerting news came in a few days ago of alleged irregularities at the National Blood Transfusion Service (Blood Bank). Here is the latest release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness on the matter. One hopes that they will quickly get to the bottom of this, and … More Health Minister Calls for Review of Blood Bank Operations

ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition

November 5, 2020

We could also call this the “U.S. Election Edition,” since many Jamaicans have been nervously following that particular emotional rollercoaster. Why are Jamaicans so engaged? Well, as people say, “When the U.S. sneezes, we catch cold.” We are geographically so close and many of us have family there. South Florida is nicknamed “Kingston 21” – … More ICYMI in Jamaica, November 3, 2020: The Illegal Party Edition