VIDEO: Westmoreland stands out… COVID worry could trigger restrictions
Published:Tuesday | December 8, 2020 | 8:42 PM
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has warned that the government could impose tighter restrictions on movement in Westmoreland as COVID cases there continue to surge.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Tufton said it was the result of the lack of adherence to the COVID protocols as well as careless behaviours including bike and bar parties.
"The Cabinet is resolute," Tufton warned.
In the past month, COVID cases in Westmoreland have increased from 245 to 460 with more than 100 in the past two weeks, Tufton said.
Overall, there have been 22 deaths with 12 in the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, in terms of hospitalisations, there have been 55 in Westmoreland in November, that’s 32 more than the 23 recorded in October.
"Westmoreland stands out," said Tufton urging the people of the parish to obey the COVID protocols.
“We’re seeing an increase in cases, an increase in hospitalisations and unfortunately an increase in deaths,” the health minister said.
According to Tufton, based on surveillance mapping, 80 per cent of Westmoreland communities have active COVID cases.
He said this is an indication of community spread that has the potential to increase further over the January period.
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