The challenges of this common enemy

Jamaica Observer column published 30 March 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton 

Up to press time for this column (Saturday March 28) , we had 32 confirmed Covid-19 cases and mercifully, still one death. Our calm, knowledgeable Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie continues to share detailed information on the various cases and their locations and we cannot thank our health workers enough for the dedication they are showing in these challenging times.

While our numbers continue to be relatively low, we could hear the deep concern in PM Andrew Holness’ voice when he stated at last Friday’s press briefing, “The biggest threat to our numbers spiking would be from persons who returned to Jamaica within the last 18 days, those who have not kept themselves in quarantine and are symptomatic and are spreading the disease.”

“I use this now, not as a threat, but as advice.” said the PM. “Those who have come into the island between the 18th of March and the 23rd, the police and the Ministry of Health have been instructed to go through the manifests and match names and addresses to determine if you are self-quarantining. If you are not, the ministry officials and the law enforcement will take the necessary steps; if not in compliance when checked a second time, steps will be taken for you to be quarantined in state facilities and you will be charged.”

How can people be so selfish and careless? Now our already overworked police officers must add this to their SOE and quarantine duties.

We are relieved to know that our street people are not being overlooked during this crisis, as Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced at last Friday’s press briefing that they are receiving daily meals as of yesterday.  However, I am concerned about the over 50,000 household workers; President of the Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU) called to say that they are losing their jobs and their families are suffering.  Minister McKenzie had noted that the Poor Relief division of his Ministry can consider cases not covered by the Finance Minister’s emergency package, so I am hoping that the JHWU will get some urgent assistance.

It is encouraging that after a news report about farmers having to dump some of their crops that the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) has published contact information for their parish officers who should be able to assist with the distribution of produce. Nutritionist Frances Mahfood advised on the news last week that the best way to strengthen our immune system is to add more fruit and vegetables to our diet. We hope the precious produce can be purchased for infirmaries and children’s homes and that manufacturers of food products and supermarkets will give them some well needed business.

The order for persons over 75 to stay at home for two weeks from last Wednesday, March 25 should be taken very seriously.  Although this allows them to do essential shopping, I hope that family members, friends and neighbours will offer to do such chores; our seniors are a high-risk group, as witnessed by the numbers coming out of Europe. We feel it to our hearts for the bereaved of those countries, with Italy and Spain being the hardest hit.

We have to be like the young woman who related on social media that she barred a would-be visitor from entering her house as she knew he had recently “come from farrin” and she did not want him to go near her “prize prize modda inside.” “Hello!” she said she shouted, “A nuh joke mi a mek”. 

Kudos for Jamaica

Last week, the Miami Herald reported that we were part of “a small hemispheric club that includes Jamaica, El Salvador, Peru and a handful of others [which] responded to the crisis with forceful measures that seemed excessive just days ago, but now seem prescient …Jamaica was one of the first countries in the Caribbean to react to the coronavirus, after seeing its first case on March 10. The country barred flights from hot zones, restricted the movement of tourists, enforced quarantines for all new arrivals and cancelled school, among other measures. It also put part of an entire town, Bull Bay, on lockdown.”

Health Minister Christopher Tufton is quoted: “Early in the day we decided it was better to take fairly strong measures — starting with public education, and then graduating into other restrictions in order to at least contain it, even while we prepare our public health system to deal with the inevitable.”  There was also reference to a social media post by WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “Thank you so much for your leadership — and preparedness — for #COVID19, @christufton. #Jamaica Being ready for #coronavirus is key to pushing it back fast. Together, for a safer world!”