Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that there are now 21 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 in the country.
Of the 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 14 are imported cases, 6 are import-related and 1 is still under investigation.
Prime Minister Holness says this means that the country is rapidly approaching the phase of community transmission.
He says as the country enters this phase, more and more people will become infected.
As such, he says new measures are required to contain an outbreak.
He says all persons 75 years and older must stay at home effective March 25, for 14 Days.
Schools will remain closed until the end of the Easter term, which is April 20.
Effective March 25, 2020, gatherings in any public space must not exceed 10 persons.
Public Sector workers 65 years and older will be mandated to work from home.
Each person that entered Jamaica as at March 18 must be quarantined for an additional 14 days after the initial 7 day period expires.
The initial ban placed on visits to infirmaries has been moved from 14 days to 30 days, and the ban on new admissions has been moved to 60 days.
The ban on amusement licenses will be enforced for an additional period and the opening hours for markets remains 6am to 2pm.
Restrictions will be placed on the barbershops and beauty salons.
