The Jamaican Government has extended the travel ban on flights coming in country from the United Kingdom (UK) until January 31, 2021.
In a state tonight, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) also said that all non-Jamaicans who have been in the UK within the last 14 days prior to intended arrival date in Jamaica, who may seek to enter the island through another country, will not be permitted to enter Jamaica.
“Jamaicans who have been in the UK within the 14 days prior to intended arrival date, who seek to enter the island through another country will be tested and placed in State quarantine for a minimum of 48 hours until the results are returned,” the OPM said.
“If negative, they will be allowed to transfer to home quarantine to complete the 14 day mandatory quarantine period. If positive, they will be transferred to isolation at a location that is approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
“The Ministry of Health & Wellness is monitoring the situation in the UK, including the outcomes of virological investigations, while preparing for an expected surge in local cases of COVID-19.”
Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of health and wellness
The extension of the travel ban, which was initially for two weeks and intended to end on January 4, comes as a new variant of the coronavirus continues to storm through England, spreading at a faster rate and reportedly impacting younger individuals more than the original strain.
Cases of the new variant have also been found in the United States and experts believe it is likely already widely circulating there.
“The Ministry of Health & Wellness is monitoring the situation in the UK, including the outcomes of virological investigations, while preparing for an expected surge in local cases of COVID-19,” said Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of health and wellness.
“These factors will influence the ministry’s recommendation regarding the lifting of the travel ban.”
The health ministry said it would continue to work with the various airlines to support the repatriation of UK residents, who are in the island and wish to return to the UK. Cargo flights from the UK will continue to be exempted from the travel ban.
In the meantime, the OPM reported that the 20 positive cases from the last flight in, remain in state isolation and are stable. Reports from the respective health departments are that persons who are quarantined at home, remain asymptomatic.
The quarantine period for these travelers is scheduled to end on Monday, January 4, 2021.
The Health & Wellness Ministry expects to hear from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in another two weeks, regarding the results from the samples sent to determine if they are of the variant strain of COVID-19.
“Again, Jamaicans are strongly advised not to travel to the UK at this time. Those who travel overseas including to the UK will be subject to the established quarantine or isolation procedures on their return to Jamaica,” the OPM said.
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