The latest COVID-19 report indicates that most of the new cases were registered in St Catherine, a shift from previous trends when Kingston and St Andrew accounted for the majority.

Between September 12 and September 18, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said 59 cases were reported, a slight increase compared to the week of September 5 to 11, when 54 were recorded.

The report also shows that St Catherine recorded 14 cases, housing the majority of the newly reported cases for the second consecutive week. This represents a decrease in cases in the parish that recorded 21 cases between September 5 and September 11.

Kingston and St Andrew collectively had the second most cases with 12, an increase from the five reported last week. St James recorded 10, an increase from the three reported last week. St Mary, St Thomas, and Portland were the only parishes that did not record a new case. All other parishes had between eight and two cases.

The country’s positivity rate for the virus has decreased from 18 per cent to 16.3 per cent, meaning fewer people, when tested, have a positive result.

As of September 18, there are 85 active cases of the virus, five more than recorded in the previous report.

Deaths continue to increase

While the majority of COVID cases are mild or asymptomatic, the Ministry continues to report deaths due to the virus. According to the latest report, nine deaths were confirmed and recorded. Six deaths are from 2021, one from 2022, and two in 2023.

Additionally, four coincidental deaths were confirmed, meaning the patient had the virus, but died due to underlying illnesses that were exemplified by COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health is replenishing its stock of COVID-19 vaccines. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said that while the take-up of vaccines has been low, the Government will continue to ensure that an adequate supply is available for citizens who seek to use the method of protection.

Vaccination sites are listed on the ministry’s website at moh.gov.jm.

To see the list of cases for each parish see the table below.