Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced new COVID pre-testing requirements for visitors to Jamaica from high-risk US states.

At a press conference at Jamaica House on Monday, Holness said as of July 10, people visiting Jamaica from Florida, New York, Arizona and Texas must upload the results of their COVID tests to the visitjamaica website before their landing may be approved.

According to Holness, Jamaica has to implement the measure as it prepares to welcome more people to the island.

Other people returning to the island will be screened at the airport.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the new pre-testing requirement will ease the pressure on the local staff.