Jamaica is seeing a sharp rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, as the country now recording 17,085 confirmed cases, with 244 new cases on Saturday (February 6).

This follows the 328 new cases reported for Friday.

This is a worrisome position and puts inordinate stress on Jamaica’s healthcare system.

But while the virus spreads rapidly across Jamaica, party promotors and players in the entertainment sector are calling on the Government to allow mass gatherings in order that money can be made.

The government has entertained their calls but a decision has yet to be made. The prospect of wanton partying and gatherings will only serve to exacerbate cases of coronavirus when Jamaica is already seeing a spike.

The United States, United Kingdom and Canada are insisting that people re-entering from Jamaica must show a credible negative test so that they don’t bring the virus back into the country.

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What has yet to be determined is whether the decision to open the country up to tourists, re-open schools and a general lax approach to social distancing and mask-wearing has led to the steep rise in infections.

Then there is the question –  are variants of the virus found in the UK and South Africa already in Jamaica and are they a contributing factor to this wave of new cases?

Back in December, Jamaica’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie cautioned: “Now that we are starting to see a rise in the number of cases, we are also seeing a rise in the number of deaths, and so again a word of caution to all persons that at this time when we are expecting to see the numbers go up, we must make every effort to protect the vulnerable persons…the elderly persons, so that we do not see an increase in the number of hospitalisations and the number of deaths.”

That forewarning was not heeded. Today, Jamaica’s daily positivity rate is 17 per cent and rising, a major cause for concern.

Dr Bisasor-McKenzie drew attention to the flagrant disregard of safety protocols and mass gatherings particularly of young people saying, “There has been an increase in the number of social gatherings across the country, especially in the Corporate Area. These events will increase exposure and infections. The younger age groups who attend these functions are likely to become infected but will have mild symptoms. They are however spreading to the older and more vulnerable population leading to an increase in hospitalisations or severe illnesses.”

“In addition, the increased number of cases in the 20 to 39 age group continues to drive the infection rate, putting the entire population at risk for more restrictive measures.”

Schools are now reporting COVID-19 infections. Clarendon College, Mona Prep and the private nursery Rainbow Land have all had incidents with parents expressing concern and eager to have their children immediately tested.

The president of the Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools, Linvern Wright is calling on the Ministry of Education to reconsider having children attend schools in light of the surge of infections. The safety of students must be its top priority and a decision to close schools again must now be considered.

The MP for St Catherine North-Western, Hugh Graham, is calling for this academic year to be cancelled in order to safeguard the health of children and prevent wider population infection. However, the government is not so keen, wishing to place emphasis on internet schooling as it looks to push Jamaica into the digital age.

Dr Desmond Chadwick, a paediatrician in Pimlico, London speaking with Our Today said: “Jamaica can ill afford to allow COVID infections to get out of control. The  recent numbers are alarming, and the government will have to put in place stricter protocols. The notion that Jamaica is considering allowing events and parties to take place is bewildering. This is not what most countries, particularly developed countries are doing. It will place Jamaica into a self-induced coma”.

“Trinidad. has cancelled carnival for both 2020 and 2021. Coachella, Stagecoach, Art Basel, events at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall have all been postponed. The likes of the Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift have cancelled shows and even the Edinburgh International Festival will not take place. So why would Jamaica charge ahead with these mass gatherings which spells a certain uptick in COVID cases? It is baffling and beyond comprehension,” he told Our Today.

“Dr Alfred Dawes is certainly right, and I too believe the number of cases is being under-reported. What you are looking at is an absence of compliance spelling more deaths and tremendous stress on Jamaica’s already beleaguered healthcare system,” Dr Chadwick added.

“Is the government not aware of that?” he asked.