'We're not trying hard enough', Tufton says as COVID cases soar...“723 positive COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours

Sunday, March 07, 2021

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton today made an impassioned plea for Jamaicans to observe the COVID-19 protocols established by the Government as he defended the “let that sink in” lingo used this morning when he revealed today's record daily COVID-19 cases.

Dr. Christopher Tufton

In a tweet this morning, the health minister said: “723 positive COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours…let that sink in.”

Soon after, the health minister started receiving backlash for the latter part of his tweet.

“I am sorry if some persons are offended by this straight and plain talk but I believe that it is very important that all of us appreciate and understand the consequences of our action,” Tufton said in a video shared to social media today.

Noting that yesterday, the country had a 35.9 per cent positivity rate, the minister said: “Let that sink in. Let it sink in that that positivity rate means that our hospitals are going to come under pressure, significant pressure.