COVID-19 remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern – WHO
Feb. 2, 2023
Jamaicans cautioned to remain vigilant
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Tuesday, January 31, 2023: Speaking at the 14th Meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus said that COVID-19 remains a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). He noted that “this week marks the three-year anniversary of the determination of the COVID-19 PHEIC designation and while the world is in a better position than it was during the peak of the Omicron transmission one year ago, more than 170,000 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported globally within the last eight weeks.”
The Committee Members also expressed concern about the ongoing risk posed by COVID-19, with a still high number of deaths compared to other respiratory infectious diseases. Of note too were the insufficient vaccine uptake in low and middle-income countries, as well as in the highest-risk groups globally, and the uncertainty associated with emerging variants.
“Pandemic fatigue and reduced public perception of risk have led to drastically reduced use of public health and social measures, such as masks and social distancing. Vaccine hesitancy and the continuing spread of misinformation continue to be extra hurdles to the implementation of crucial public health interventions,” added the WHO Director-General.
Given this update from WHO, the Ministry of Health & Wellness is urging Jamaicans to safeguard their health by taking the COVID-19 vaccines, including the first or second booster dose where applicable. Additionally, members of the public are to remain vigilant in their adherence to infection prevention and control measures, notably, mask wearing; maintaining a physical distance in crowds; and frequently washing and/or sanitising hands.
Over the three-year period of the pandemic, Jamaica recorded 153,629 infections with over 3,400 deaths confirmed up to January 24, 2023. The seven-day (January 17-24, 2023) positivity rate stood at 18.1%.
Among the recommendations issued to Member States by the WHO Director-General were continued support for research; maintenance of strong national response capacity; and the sustained momentum for COVID-19 vaccination to achieve 100% coverage of high-priority groups.
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