HIGHLIGHTING that “Jamaica is a hub for cruise shipping”, the Ministry of Health on Wednesday sought to reassure Jamaicans that precautions are being taken by the Government to safeguard the country’s shores from the possible spread of the Hantavirus.

Responding to questions posed by journalists at a post-Cabinet press briefing about the measures in place by the Government, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie noted that while the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) assessment indicates that there is a low risk in terms of global spread, the Government has increased its vigilance.

“In terms of the WHO assessment of the situation, the current assessment is that there is a low risk in terms of global spread; however, we are taking every precaution to prevent the virus from entering our shores, particularly when it comes to the docking of cruise ships. We know that Jamaica is a hub in terms of cruise shipping, so therefore it make sense for us to improve our vigilance,” Dr Bisasor-McKenzie said.