“Most countries have active transmission of COVID-19 and there is a risk that persons returning may have been exposed to the disease, whether or not they are having symptoms,” the CMO said.
“Persons with symptoms are at high risk for transmitting the disease.
Some persons without symptoms may also be transmitting the disease, and Jamaicans, therefore, cannot differentiate between persons who may have COVID-19 and persons who do not, so it is important that at all times we take precautions,” she warned.
“They must understand that they have to stay in quarantine for a period of time to safeguard themselves, their families and the entire country and it must be everybody's responsibility,” the CMO added.
According to Dr Bisasor-McKenzie, the country has now transitioned into a process of learning to live with COVID-19 and that in lifting the restrictions at the borders to allow both Jamaicans and non-nationals to enter the country, it is imperative that the guidelines are followed to safeguard the health of the entire population.