As Jamaicans, we are sometimes our own

worst enemy, an unfortunate reality for the rules that govern this island as

well as those deemed most vulnerable.

Amid the ongoing novel coronavirus

(COVID-19) outbreak, several citizens have taken to social media to report

fellow Jamaicans who recently returned to the island and refuse to abide by the

mandated 14-day quarantine protocol.

While it’s not a particularly good feeling watching

loved ones flaunt the rules keeping the wider population safe from the worst of

the pandemic, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton insists the

reports of breaches help in the national response to COVID-19.

Hey bossy — Detective Fitzy (@WokeWan)

Hey bossy — Detective Fitzy (@WokeWan) @christufton u know @shxn_b just fly into Kingston from Florida today and deh uptown right now at a restaurant. Curfew and Quarantine stop keep ??? Let me know Ÿ˜August 16, 2020

Minister Tufton was among many Jamaican

Twitter users over the weekend lauding fellow citizens who brought the

quarantine breaches to the government’s attention.

Please send me the information on this. Thanks for being responsible. Your nation salutes you. — Dr. Chris Tufton (@christufton)

Please send me the information on this. Thanks for being responsible. Your nation salutes you. — Dr. Chris Tufton (@christufton) https://t.co/WwgG53u3O2August 16, 2020

It’s good to be home, especially in the

midst of a pandemic ravaging the world, but it serves no benefit to the rest of

the country if you are selfish, reckless and stubborn.

exposing ppl who land and don’t follow the quarantine orders is such a nice energy— Captain Stay Home (@_lessismaur)

exposing ppl who land and don’t follow the quarantine orders is such a nice energy— Captain Stay Home (@_lessismaur) August 16, 2020

This isn’t a game, BUZZ fam. And it’s certainly not a rule that applies to some alone. A serious outbreak could bring Jamaica’s ailing public health sector to a devastating collapse. It only takes one mistake for things to go horribly wrong.

Other Twitter users reacted in disdain at

the continued refusal to abide by the quarantine, as they, having returned to

the island, felt it was within their responsibility to isolate themselves for

the required 14-day period—only to see wanton carelessness.

— Brownie Boss – IG:@sho.lee (@fosho_Lee)

— Brownie Boss – IG:@sho.lee (@fosho_Lee) @christufton half the people from Jet Blue flight B6 1375 this morning who would’ve received quarantine orders are at Harbour View KFC INSIDEAugust 16, 2020

Many of the Jamaican Twitterati have

encouraged the authorities to follow through with the promise of criminal

charges for those who breach the quarantine order upon their arrival to the

island. I fully endorse this sentiment.

They agreed to stay in though. Written and verbal agreement. — ✗Jheanelle✗ (@PrettieJJ) If is a trip dem a look wulleap a other countries don’t have that policy, go there Ÿ¤·Ÿ½â€â™€ï¸

They agreed to stay in though. Written and verbal agreement. — ✗Jheanelle✗ (@PrettieJJ) If is a trip dem a look wulleap a other countries don’t have that policy, go there Ÿ¤·Ÿ½â€â™€ï¸ https://t.co/G4CFFDSH0EAugust 16, 2020

Be it for business or pleasure, you already passed the greatest hurdle being approved to return home. It is, therefore, your duty to show some regard for the rest of us making the sacrifices since the first case was reported in March.

I hope the foreign visitors that will be at 4 East Kirkland Heights, Red Hills today for a pool party, see this. — ¦š«¢. (@_MtheGem)

I hope the foreign visitors that will be at 4 East Kirkland Heights, Red Hills today for a pool party, see this. — ¦š«¢. (@_MtheGem) https://t.co/06f1MwbaKhAugust 16, 2020

It’s probably important to note that we are by no means over the worst of this outbreak. With the political climate this high and a general election in a few weeks, the ingredients are so ripe for the coronavirus to further impact our society.

As a port officer, mi sure seh you sign a legally binding quarantine order upon entering the country which explicitly outline the conditions of your 14 days quarantine — ALPHA Ÿ† (@bestlil_badgurl)

As a port officer, mi sure seh you sign a legally binding quarantine order upon entering the country which explicitly outline the conditions of your 14 days quarantine — ALPHA Ÿ† (@bestlil_badgurl) @christufton @AndrewHolnessJM we cya just a beat up wi gum for ntn. Charge har! https://t.co/OEnwYeZXcFAugust 16, 2020

So please, stay home, self-isolate for the

two weeks and let’s continue to control the spread of COVID-19.