The latest update from the Ministry of Health indicates that the number of new COVID-19 cases continue to decline, with 91 reported between February 21 and February 27.

This is the first time since the beginning of the new year that cases have been under 100.

The highest number of new cases reported for 2023 was between January 17 and 23. A total of 264 cases were reported at the time.

While the number of new cases continue to trend downward, COVID-related deaths continue to rise. The report states that there were nine deaths confirmed between February 21 and 27. The deaths occurred between April 2021 and February 2023, four of which were under investigation.

Deaths are placed under investigation when it cannot be definitively said that the patient died from COVID-19. Dr Ardene Harris, medical epidemiologist at the ministry of health previously told Our Today that deaths are difficult to declare, especially when they occur within a community and not at a hospital.

Patients recovering

There are currently 348 deaths under investigation with the number of confirmed deaths expected to rise. Jamaica recently currently has 3,511 confirmed COVID-related deaths.

But, majority of the patients who contract the virus manage to recover.

As of February 27, a total of 102,501 persons have recovered from COVID-19. Sixty- six person recovered last week, but there are still 234 active cases on the island.

The ministry continues to urge vaccination among citizens. Vaccination sites can be found at health centres island wide. To find the health centre closest to you visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.moh.gov.jm.

The number of new cases reported for each parish are as follows: