In efforts to curtail further spread of the novel coronavirus, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has announced the closure of all offshore cays effective Friday, February 12.

ODPEM, in a statement on Thursday, explained that only the Morant and Pedro Cays are excluded from the re-closure, which will last for an initial period of 14 days—to be reviewed on February 26.

“The ODPEM is informing the public that no activities should take place at these locations as we seek to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus in the country.

“The JDF Coast Guard and the JCF Marine Police will continue to rigorously monitor the cays and all locations to enforce the laws and ensure that the public is conforming to the established protocols,” the ODPEM said

Jamaica confirmed 329 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, as the national caseload flares to 18,237.