Amid pandemic deportees remain priority
US Department of Homeland Security fl ag.
STAY HOME TO STOP THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS
New Yorkers working together and staying home can slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
in New York City. When you go out for essential needs, work or to get fresh air, keep distance
between yourself and others and take the following precautions.
Caribbean Life, April 24-30, 2020 11
Although an alarming
amount of immigrants comprise
the selfless workforce
tirelessly sacrificing to provide
essential services to quarantined
Americans, Immigration
Customs Enforcement aka ICE
continues to relentlessly pursue
and deport those reputedly
unwelcomed in America due to
their undocumented status.
Along with significant numbers
of deportations slated
for enforcement this week,
on April 21, 62 Jamaicans are
expected to be transported by
chartered plane to be sent from
the United States.
According to Dr. Horace
Chang, Minister of National
Security there, measures were
effected to facilitate the “safe
return and accommodation” of
the deportees also known as
Involuntary Returned Migrants
(IRM).
In light of quarantined
conditions on the Caribbean
island, Dr. Chang explained the
procedure the government will
implement to ensure the safety
of the population as well as protect
the health of the returning
nationals.
“Upon arrival, IRMs will be
quarantined for two weeks in
a secure government facility,
where they will be processed
by the relevant authorities,” he
said.
In a statement he explained
that the Ministry of Health
and Wellness (MOHW) recently
“conducted sensitization sessions
with staff at the facility,”
there he said they “detailed
potential health risks of COVID-
19 and how to detect and report
signs of the virus.”
The release also stated that
while under quarantine, IRMs
will be screened twice daily by
medical officers assigned by
the MOHW.
At the end of the quarantine
period, IRMs who are cleared by
health officials will be released
to family members.
Despite the fact borders
remain closed with only limited
commercial flights providing
trade, and needed supplies,
chartered flights are being
used to transport individuals
forced out by the Department
of Homeland Security.
“The arrival of the IRMs is
not a novel occurrence. It is
one of the monthly returns
scheduled to arrive in the country
on Mar. 26, 2020. However,
the government negotiated a
further date to prepare for the
IRMs’ arrival under measures
imposed to prevent the spread
of the COVID19 virus,” the
ministry added.
Reportedly, in keeping with
the Jamaican Constitution
and the Jamaica Nationality
Act, Jamaica is duty bound to
accept IRMs.
“The Government acknowledges
the long-standing
arrangement with the United
States Department of Homeland
Security for the repatriation
of Jamaicans who do not
have the legal right to remain
in the United States,” the ministry
said.
“There will be controlled reentry
while observing COVID19
prevention protocols,” Dr.
Chang said.
He added that the government
is dedicated to the safety
of all Jamaicans and continues
to make necessary adjustments
to recent sanctions under the
Disaster Risk Management
Act.
Jamaicans concerned with
the repatriated Jamaicans during
this time of health crises
have been assured that the
government will “continue to
be guided by our health officials
and security forces to
uphold best practices during
the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Reportedly Prime Minister
Andrew Holness was pressured
by President Donald Trump who
allegedly warned of visa sanctions
for countries that refused
to accept their citizens.
To that end, Opposition parliamentarians
urged the leader
to lobby for a postponement
until after the coronavirus
pandemic has subsided.
News reports revealed that
75 per cent of deportees to
Guatemala from the US tested
positive for COVID-19.
Catch You On The Inside!
Inside Life
By Vinette K. Pryce
NEW YORKERS:
Text COVID to 692-692 for real-time updates or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.
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or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell to connect with a counselor.
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Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Oxiris Barbot, MD
Commissioner
PROTECT YOURSELF
AND OTHERS
• Keep at least 6 feet between
yourself and others.
• Wash your hands with soap
and water often.
• Cover your nose and mouth
with a tissue or sleeve when
sneezing or coughing.
• Do not touch your face with
unwashed hands.
• Monitor your health more
closely than usual for cold or
flu symptoms.
IF YOU ARE SICK
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shortness of breath, fever,
sore throat and do not feel
better after 3-4 days,
consult with your doctor.
• If you need help getting
medical care, call 311.
• NYC will provide care
regardless of immigration
status or ability to pay.
REDUCE
OVERCROWDING
• Stay home.
• Telecommute if possible.
If you do go out:
• Stagger work hours away
from peak travel times.
• Walk or bike.
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PROTECT THE
MOST VULNERABLE
• Stay home if you have
lung disease, heart disease,
diabetes, cancer or a
weakened immune system.
• Stay home and call, video
chat or text with family or
friends who have one of
these conditions.
/coronavirus
/nycwell