Jamaica health ministry urges Ebola caution as port screening tightens

Jamaica’s Ministry of Health is advising the public to exercise caution following the World Health Organization’s declaration that Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda amount to a global health emergency.

The ministry is urging Jamaicans to reconsider travel to countries affected by the virus. Health checks at the island’s ports of entry have also been increased as part of the national response.

Travellers who have been in, or passed through, the affected areas during the previous 21 days will be required to self-quarantine under health supervision if they have no symptoms. Persons showing signs of illness will be placed in isolation as a precaution.

The ministry also reminded the public to depend only on credible sources for health information.

In other news from the bulletin, the Court Administration Division has stepped up recovery work in Westmoreland, which was among the parishes badly affected by Hurricane Melissa. Labour Day activities at the Westmoreland Parish Court and Family Court included painting, tree planting and other improvement works.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes said the court system is seeking additional land to expand services, noting that the parish has been operating under difficult conditions. He said the main courthouse remains out of service, while the restoration of the Family Court has helped increase available courtrooms in the parish.

The division also commissioned two outfitted container units and two more containers for records management at the Westmoreland Parish Court. Officials also visited the Whithorn Outstation ahead of planned upgrading work there.

At the ThropX Investor Conference in Negril, Westmoreland, real estate stakeholders pointed to continued confidence in Jamaica’s property market while warning buyers against informal transactions. Realtors said commercial and warehouse space remains an underdeveloped investment area, while interest in the south coast is growing despite damage from Hurricane Melissa.

Industry representatives urged prospective purchasers to use licensed realtors, experienced attorneys and established financial professionals, saying property transactions can involve significant paperwork and delays.