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Jamaica Government Considers Publishing Names Of Persons Who Fail To Self-Report

Jamaica's Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton. Photo credit: Ainsworth Morris/JIS.

Jamaica Government Considers Publishing Names Of Persons Who Fail To Self-Report

KINGSTON, Jamaica, April 3, 2020 (CMC) – Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, says the Andrew Holness-led administration is considering publishing the names of persons, who arrived in the country, between March 18 and 23, and have failed to report to the Ministry.

“We are just looking at one aspect of the law, to ensure that we are on good grounds to do that. I certainly support that, because I think it is a national imperative; it is a public health issue that is of utmost importance,” he said.

Tufton was responding to questions from the main opposition People’s National Party’s (PNP) spokesperson on Health, Dr. Morais Guy, during a Special Select Committee meeting in Parliament, yesterday, to review developments, relating to COVID-19.

The government has issued an Order for all persons, who came into the island, between March 18 and 23, to report, using the website, jamcovid19.moj.gov.jm, or calling 888 ONE-LOVE, to provide the information required.

The Order also makes it mandatory for persons to self-quarantine for 14 days, starting from the date of their arrival.

Persons could face fines, of up to J$1 million, or 12 months imprisonment, under the Disaster Risk, if they wait to go into self-quarantine.

Tufton said that a contact list is being collated from information placed on forms that persons were asked to complete, but noted that the Ministry is having difficulty deciphering some of the details on the forms.

“I’ve seen some of those forms; very few people actually put an address that is legible… or the right address. So what is happening now, is that we have had to take those forms and literally go through them, and it reflects the changes that may be required going forward, in terms of automation of this information, where persons use the electronic filing,” he noted.

Tufton said that following discussions with the Minister of National Security, the police and public health personnel are now engaged in contacting these individuals.

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