The Ministry of Health and Wellness reported an uptick in COVID-19 cases, with 20 recorded in Jamaica between January 16 and January 22.

The numbers also reflect a surge in the positivity rate for the virus, which jumped from 8.1 per cent in the previous report for January 2 to January 8, to 14.2 per cent in the latest report.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton previously stated that while the number of cases remains low, a positivity rate above five per cent means that the virus is a potential threat to the country.

Of the 20 new cases, Westmoreland recorded 12 cases, the first cases reported in the parish since 2024 and the highest number of cases reported in a parish. Kingston and St Andrew, as well as St Elizabeth, had two cases each, while Manchester, St Catherine, St Mary, and St Thomas had one case each.

The remaining parishes did not report any new case.

Additionally, there were no report of death.

As of January 22, there are 24 active cases of the virus, with four patients listed in the previous report still having the virus.

While case numbers in Jamaica remain relatively low, other Caribbean countries have reported a surge in cases, increased hospitalisation, and deaths connected to the virus.

There have been no confirmed reportsof new COVID-19 variants in Jamaica. However, other Caribbean countries such as St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, have reported new variants that are more easily transmittable.

Additionally, a global surge in cases has been reported, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia.

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