Kingston, Jamaica: January 28, 2020:

The University Hospital of the West Indies alleviates all fears that there is no diagnosis of Corona Virus, amid news of a suspected case earlier today.

The patient does not fit the case definition, (according to the WHO, the signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties), and was just out of the incubation period (during which the person has the disease, but does not develop symptoms). However, due to travel history, the doctors considered it a possibility, and out of an abundance of caution the isolation measures were put in place. Our patient remains stable.

At no time was the hospital closed down to the public, and as such, is being advised, that patients who require care can continue to come in as we are in full operations.

This experience was an opportunity to demonstrate how we treat with infectious illnesses of this nature. We congratulate all our staff for the professionalism displayed in the matter.

We continue to maintain vigilance and have put in place the appropriate measures for patients who may come in with similar symptoms. We encourage the public to continue to take the necessary precautions.