Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, is urging residents of St Ann and Manchester to adhere to COVID-19 prevention protocols, in order to curtail the spread of the disease.

He said based on current assessments, both parishes are showing signs of uncontrolled spread.

“As at January 11, 2021, St Ann has 75 active cases while Manchester has 68 active cases. When assessed by population, St Ann has 35 per 100,000 while Manchester has 43 per 100,000. These numbers represent the first and second highest rates in the island,”

Dr Tufton said during Tuesday’s (January 12) sitting of the House of Representatives.

The Minister informed that the parishes’ Heath Departments have commenced ramping up prevention activities with testing and contact tracing, especially for the vulnerable population.

“Community interventions, which are key components of the response, have also been initiated with activities in town centres and at-risk communities. It is at this time that we say to the citizens of these parishes that you can reduce the spread of the disease through your actions,”

Dr Tufton said.

“Pay close attention to the infection prevention and control protocols, wear your masks, keep physically distant, stay away from large crowds and wash your hands or sanitise as often as possible,”

he added.

Dr Tufton further stated that the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation in these parishes and advise on any further actions that may be required.