CMO urges health preparations as hurricane nears
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Chief Medical Officer, Dr Winston De La Haye is urging people to begin preparations in light of the expected impact of Hurricane Matthew on Jamaica.
“We are appealing to people to start the preparations such as securing clean water for storage. Water can be purified by boiling or adding small amounts of bleach. Persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and asthma must ensure that their medication is easily accessible especially in the event of the need for a quick evacuation,” he said.
De La Haye is also advising pregnant women, especially those within one month of their delivery date to identify close relatives or friends who are in proximity to a hospital just in case it becomes necessary to relocate.
The latest release from the Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) stated that Hurricane Matthew will move through the southern and the central Caribbean Sea through Friday. Thereafter, it could move closer to Jamaica and pose a direct threat to the island.