According to the latest COVID-19 report from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, 84 new COVID cases and 15 deaths were confirmed between June 27 and July 3.

Eleven of the deaths occurred in 2021, two deaths in 2022, and two deaths occurred in 2023. However, the deaths are now confirmed as COVID-related.

The Ministry of Health previously explained that when deaths occur outside of hospitals, it is difficult to determine if the patient died due to the virus. Additionally, delayed reports from hospitals have resulted in a delayed report of COVID-related deaths.

Additionally, four coincidental deaths were recorded, meaning the patient had COVID-19 but died due to other underlying illnesses.

The majority of new cases were recorded in Kingston and St Andrew (20), followed by St Catherine (18) and St Thomas.

As of July 3, there are 126 active cases of the virus.

Additionally, compared to the previous week (June 20 to June 26), COVID-19 cases increased, moving from 68 to 84. The seven-day average positivity rate also increased, moving from 17.5 per cent to 21. 1 per cent.

However, 12 persons recovered from the virus last week.

The Ministry continues to promote vaccination among citizens. They also urge those who have already taken the vaccines to take booster shots. Vaccination sites are located at health centres islandwide. To find your nearest health centre visit the Ministry’s website.

The number of new COVID cases for each parish is as follows: