Jamaica has recorded its first Covid-19 death.
The deceased is a 79 year old male from Lionel Town Clarendon, who was taken to the Mandeville Regional Hospital on Monday with flu like symptoms.
In a press briefing this afternoon, Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, said that the patient travelled from New York on Sunday March 15 but did not show symptoms until Monday when he was placed in isolation at the health facility.
The Chief Medical Officer said that tests were done on the patient on Tuesday but noted the results were not available until earlier today. The senior died shortly before he was transferred to Kingston for further treatment.
The deceased was one of two persons who tested positive for the virus today bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Jamaica to 15.
To date there are 32 people in isolation and 434 being traced because they came in contact with people tested positive for the virus.
In response to the confirmed cases, the Jamaican government has established quarantine zones in at least two communities where an individual who tested positive for the virus had interaction with members of both communities.
The Andrew Holness led government says it is taking the necessary measures to contain and control the spread of the disease.
