KINGSTON, Jamaica. Monday, August 16, 2021: In the last 24 hours, Jamaica has confirmed 513 new cases of COVID-19 infections and 11 deaths, supporting the case for vigilant compliance with infection prevention and control protocols and increased vaccinations.
The total number of infections recorded on the island now moves to 58,458 while the total number of deaths increase to 1,311. The island’s daily positivity rate now stands at 46.1%.
Hospitals, meanwhile, continue to see a growing number of patients despite many having already exceeded their capacity. Facilities in the North East, Western and Southern health regions were over 130% of their capacity up to yesterday while in the South East Health Region they were up to 84%.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is encouraging Jamaicans to strictly adhere to mask wearing, keeping a physical distance from others and frequently washing and/or sanitising hands. The Ministry is also urging Jamaicans to get vaccinated.
Vaccination sites are open island-wide this week. 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 today, the island’s vaccination numbers were up to 411,198. Of that number, 274,062 were first doses, 136,175 second doses and 961 single doses.