In case you missed it, here are OBSERVER ONLINE’s top 10 stories for today:

1. More than 70% of J’cans may have been affected by Chik-V, says Tufton

Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton today revealed that more than 70 per cent of Jamaicans may have been affected by the Chikungunya virus (Chik-V), while half of that amount were affected sufficiently to require medical attention.

2. PNP joins call for Shaw to turn over info on illegal sugar importers to authorities

The People’s National Party (PNP) has joined the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) in its call for Minister of Agriculture, Audley Shaw to relay information he has on the illegal distribution of granulated sugar to the relevant authorities and allow for a full investigation into the issue.

3. PNP to set out plans for Jamaica at annual conference

The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) says it will use its 80th annual conference, scheduled for next week, to outline plans for the country’s development if it should form the next government.

4. Vernamfield development project to begin October

Activities for the first phase of the US$2.5-billion Vernamfield development project in Clarendon are expected to get under way by the end of October this year, according to Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mike Henry.

5. Child protection agency shares safety tips for children

With the start of another school year underway, CEO of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), Rosalee Gage-Grey is reminding parents, guardians and caregivers of their duty to protect their children in keeping with the Child Care and Protection Act (CCPA), 2004.

6. Transport ministry seeks to resolve issues at MoBay Metro

The Ministry of Transport and Mining says it is working to find practical solutions to resolve the issues being faced by the Montego Bay Metro Company Limited (MoBay Metro) after drivers and conductors of withdrew their services on Monday.

7. More men than women bleaching — health ministry survey

According to a health and lifestyle survey released this morning by the Ministry of Health, approximately 11 per cent of Jamaicans bleached their skins.

8. Transport group commends police for managing traffic in the KMTR

The Transport Operators Development Sustainable Service (TODSS) is commending the performance of the constabulary’s newly formed traffic team, despite what it says is harassment meted out by some members in the Half Way Tree area.

9. Burt Reynolds is dead

US actor Burt Reynolds, best known for his roles in “Deliverance” and “Boogie Nights,” died on Thursday, his publicist announced.

10. UK announces trial scheme for non-EU farm workers after Brexit

Britain announced Thursday it will trial a six-month visa system to let in non-EU seasonal workers to pick crops, as Brexit leaves farmers facing a labour shortage.