The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is today (August 16) advising members of the public that in-person visits to its network of lock-ups and prisons have been suspended with immediate effect. 

The JCF, in a statement, said the decision was made amid rising coronavirus (COVID-19) infections islandwide. Drop-offs are still being encouraged, the police added.

“Relatives of inmates who wish to drop off necessities should make contact with the police station, in order to make the necessary arrangements. Additionally, persons are being urged to make an effort to have inmates who were granted bail taken out of the lock-ups to help reduce overcrowding,” the JCF said.

The Ministry of National Security previously suspended visits to prisons in March last year, however, Our Today was unable to verify aside from drop-offs, at what point was the measure was discontinued, if at all.

Jamaica’s ballooning COVID-19 outbreak is a worrying situation, as analysis of data provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness indicates 5,221 new infections were confirmed in the first 15 days of August. 

Cumulatively, the island has a staggering 58,458 caseload, 9,297 of which are active cases.

According to the health ministry, the island’s positivity rate also stands at 46.1 per cent—the highest ever recorded in the country since its first case was confirmed on March 10, 2020. 

See related article: Jamaica hits highest COVID-19 positivity rate ever; over 9,000 active cases