Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has expressed confidence in the readiness of the facility, and staff, in the isolation areas, of the Norman Manley International Airport, and the National Chest Hospital, in Kingston.

The minister toured the areas today, for a first hand assessment, amid concern that the country may not be adequately prepared to respond to the threat of the deadly coronavirus.

The disease has killed over 100 people in China, where it originated, and has spread to several other counties in North America, Europe and Asia.

Dr. Tufton sought to assure that the necessary measures have been put in place, at the islands airports and hospitals, to deal with the situation.

He also pointed to heightened awareness to the threat.