Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Jamaica Begins New Restrictions to Curb Spread of COVID-19

VOA News

   Officials inJamaicasay citizensand visitors to the island must now
   present a negative COVID-19 test resultno greater thanthree daysbefore
   their travel datethis week.

   Right now,visitors to Jamaica have 10 days to submit a negative
   COVID-19 result to enter the island.

   The new initiative,which takeseffect Thursday, is part of the
   government's effort to curtailasurge in cases.

   Prime Minister Andrew Holness'ban onfuneralsand burials for two weeks
   beginning March 7 through the22 is attracting the mostconcern,with
   opposition politicians and funeral serviceproviders saying the delay in
   burials will cause financial hardships.

   Theprimeminister said funerals alreadyscheduledthrough March 7 can
   proceed as planned, with a maximum of 15 people, including the funeral
   service staff.

   The capacity at weddings is being reduced by half from 50 to 25 people.

   Jamaicaalso extended the ban on direct flights from United Kingdom to
   March 22.

   The latest restrictions come as Holness said the country has confirmed
   just over 1,800 cases in the past week.

   So far, Jamaica has confirmed more than 23,200 COVID-19 infections and
   422 deathssince the start of the pandemic.

.