OCHO RIOS, St Ann — With more than 100 active COVID-19 cases, health officials in St Ann are seeking assistance from councillors and other government officials in the parish in an effort to once again sensitise residents about the importance of safety protocols.

“The truth is when our teams are in the communities telling people what they are supposed to do it will have an impact in the moment. But when you, the councillors, are with us on those walks it will be more beneficial,” said the parish’s medical officer of health, Dr Tamara Henry.

She was speaking at Thursday’s monthly sitting of the municipal corporation.

Up to May 10, the parish recorded 8,471 positive COVID-19 cases, a positivity rate of 55 per cent.

“I want to add that the cases are locally transmitted and they are not epidemiologically linked so we can’t find out who they would have been in contact with that would have caused them to acquire the COVID-19 virus,” Henry added.

The majority of the cases in St Ann are linked to the Ocho Rios and St Ann’s Bay health district.

“As health department we have been going into the communities talking to the residents reminding [them] about some of the things that are highly recommended. But some of the things we are picking up is that the community members really do not feel as though COVID is a serious thing anymore. It is almost as though all the things we thought them over the two years is right through the window,” she said.

She appealed to the locally elected representatives for help.

“Your assistance is being sought to get the citizens to a place where they ought to be again, through our ambassadors’ programme. We want to ensure that we have continued presence as our community health aides won’t always be there, but if we have citizens who are trained and know what information to share they can assist us greatly to minimise the spread of COVID-19 infection,” she urged.

Councillor Genevor Gordon-Bailey (Jamaica Labour Party, Lime Hall Division) assured Henry that she is willing to facilitate educational campaigns.

“You mentioned over six communities in the division that I serve, so I am ready to work with you to educate the people because I believe the vaccination will help to curtail COVID,” said Gordon-Bailey

Henry also urged residents in the parish who haven’t already taken the vaccine to get the jab.

“I want persons to know that we are still offering the vaccines at our major health centre in St Ann’s Bay, Ocho Rios, The Claremont Centre of Excellence, Alexandria Community Hospital and Brown’s Town Health Centre,” she said.