While cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have slowed in Westmoreland, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton says that Manchester and St Ann have emerged as the new hotspots.

St Ann, with 75 active cases, and Manchester, with 68 cases, account for the highest rates in Jamaica when assessed by population, according to Minister Tufton who spoke during a sitting of Parliament on Tuesday (January 12).

“Based on our current assessment St Ann and Manchester are showing signs of uncontrolled spread,” he said.

By the ministry’s tabulations, St Ann has recorded 35 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people, while Manchester is marginally higher at 43 cases per 100,000 Jamaicans.

Minister Tufton noted that as the national rate was 2.3 per 100,000, respective spikes in St Ann and Manchester were causes for concern.

“These numbers represent the first and second highest rates in the island,” Tufton continued.

Minister Tufton explained that both the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) and the North-east Regional Health Authority (NERHA) have already begun to ramp up prevention activities, with testing, contact tracing and community interventions.

The measures will be particularly critical for members of vulnerable groups, as well as in major town centres and at-risk communities.

“It is at this time that we say to citizens of these parishes, you can reduce the spread of the disease with your actions. Pay close attention to the infection prevention protocols, wear your masks, keep physically distant, stay away from large crowds, and wash your hands or sanitise as often as possible,” he told the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Tufton further explained that the ministry will continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus in the two hotspot parishes, and advise on any further actions that may be required.

The minister commended the efforts of the ministry as well as citizens and leaders of Westmoreland for their role in bringing the parish’s caseload under control.

“Based on our assessment, it was determined that state interventions were necessary to curtail the spread of the virus in that particular parish. Today, I can report that the interventions have resulted in the reduction in reported cases to 51 active cases as of January 11th,” he said.

“The total occupancy at the Savanna-La-Mar Hospital is now 56 per cent for [COVID-19] isolation occupancy, a reduction from as high as 80 per cent reported in December,” Tufton added.

Ministry of Health has indicated to the Cabinet that it will not require an extension of the special restrictions for Westmoreland beyond the current time period. Those restrictions come to an end on Friday, January 15.

Jamaica confirmed 123 new cases of COVID-19 over the last 24 hours, whicbh brought the national tally to 13,760.