Jamaica confirms 31 new COVID cases as tally jumps to 288

Jamaica has recorded 31 new coronavirus cases pushing the tally to 288.

The ages of new patients range from two months old to 72 years old.

Of the 31 new cases, 25 are linked to the Alorica call centre in St Catherine while the other six are under investigation.

Twelve of the new cases are males and 19 females.

Case log
Imported cases - 34 
Local transmission (no link) - 8
Linked to Alorica - 155
Contacts of a confirmed case - 68 
Under investigation - 23

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry says the 31 positive results coincide with increased COVID testing capacity with new machines at the National
Public Health Laboratory in Kingston.

"It complements the testing being done at the National Influenza Centre," says a ministry spokesperson in a release.

The ministry said, 304 tests were done over the past 24 hours, that's 205 at the National Public Health Laboratory and 99 at the National Influenza Centre.

So far, 2,518 samples have been tested with 2,221 negative, 288 positive and nine pending.

Patient log
In isolation - 288
In quarantine at a government facility - 91
Deaths - 7
Recoveries - 28

"We urge Jamaicans to remain vigilant in their infection prevention and control measures – including physical distancing and frequent hand washing with soap –
as we work to disrupt the transmission of COVID-19," said Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton.

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