Prime Minister Andrew Holness has sought to explain why the government has not opted to request that travellers to the island be vaccinated against the Coronavirus.

This in the wake of comparisons to other countries that require vaccination for entry, and concerns that Jamaica‘s open borders, put citizens at risk for Covid variants.

Responding to reporters while on the Covid Vaccine Awareness Tour in St. Andrew yesterday (September 8), Mr. Holness said closing the borders on unvaccinated travellers, would adversely impact Jamaica‘s economy.

Noting the recent travel advisory from the United States Centre for Disease Control, Mr. Holness said the focus is on getting more local citizens vaccinated.

And while reiterating that the government is not contemplating mandatory vaccination for workers, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has promised a definitive policy position on the matter.

This in the wake of concerns about workers employment and constitutional rights, being breached.

Jamaica‘s private sector and employer groups, have already stated, that they are not going the route of mandatory vaccination.

However, it has been reported, that some companies issued a directive to staff, indicating, that they cannot report to work, without proof of vaccination.

Speaking to reporters in St. Andrew yesterday, Mr. Holness noted that the country‘s law‘s justify a strong vaccine directive.

Mr. Holness however stressed, that the laws also call for educating citizens about issues of national importance.