KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica today confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Kingston, making it the 4th Caribbean country to confirm the presence of the deadly virus.

Below is the statement from Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton regarding the patient:

The patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom, which has cases of COVID-19. She arrived in the island on March 4, presented to the public health system on March 9, and has been in isolation since then.

Based on the patient’s travel history and symptoms, health professionals suspected COVID-19. A clinical sample was collected and sent to the National Influenza Centre, where laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis today at approximately 11:00 am. The patient and family members have been informed.

The patient’s infection was travel-related. However, steps are being taken to prevent the risk of community spread.

These measures include:

• The dispatch of a health team to the home of the patient for assessment and initiation of public health measures.
• The identification and contact tracing for all possible exposed persons.
• Meeting of ministry officials with members of staff at the hospital and the necessary interventions put in place.

Related posts:

Guyana records no new case of coronavirus for 2nd straight day Guyana records 5th Coronavirus case; Latest victim from same Good Hope family BREAKING: Two more coronavirus cases confirmed in Guyana; First victim’s child and relative also test positive along with husband BREAKING: Guyana records First Case of Coronavirus; Tests on woman who died return positive