KINGSTON, Jamaica--The first patient who was placed in isolation in Jamaica after returning from China and having elevated temperature, has tested negative for the novel coronavirus COVID19.
Meanwhile, results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA are pending for a second person who was isolated; and a third Jamaican has been placed in isolation.
The latest individual, who had travelled from China, arrived at the Donald Sangster International Airport last week Tuesday, February 11, and underwent the relevant protocols in keeping with the current travel restrictions.
The Jamaican was discovered to have had a fever and was immediately isolated, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
“This patient has been isolated in keeping with our protocols, whereby anyone who has travelled from China in the last 14 days prior to arrival and has symptoms will be isolated and investigations carried out,” the ministry said.
“The next steps for this patient will include management of the fever and any other symptoms that develop. A sample has already been sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency, where it will be tested for the novel coronavirus COVID 19,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie said.
The ministry reminded that the quarantine and isolation procedures are in place to detect and investigate early, all persons who may have been exposed to the virus.
It also advised that precautions such as frequent hand washing; coughing and sneezing in tissue and discarding it, as well as avoiding contact with ill persons be practised by everyone. ~ Caribbean360 ~
