There were online rumors that Blacks were immune from the coronavirus because their pigmentation and melanin but a Black Jamaican was diagnosed with the virus today, dispelling the rumor.
The island confirmed its first imported case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Kingston.
The patient is a Jamaican female who had travelled from the United Kingdom, which has cases of COVID-19. She arrived in the island on March 4, presented to the public health system on March 9, and has been in isolation since then.
Based on the patient’s travel history and symptoms, health professionals suspected COVID-19. A clinical sample was collected and sent to the National Influenza Centre, where laboratory tests confirmed the diagnosis today at approximately 11:00 am. The patient and family members have been informed.
The patient’s infection was travel-related. However, steps are being taken to prevent the risk of community spread.
These measures include:
• The dispatch of a health team to the home of the patient for assessment and initiation of public health measures.
• The identification and contact tracing for all possible exposed persons.
• Meeting of ministry officials with members of staff at the hospital and the necessary interventions put in place.
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