jamaica has announced a new curfew and relaxed restrictions in the battle against the coronavirus.

With cases in the island at 698, a new curfew starts today (June 30) which will run from 11pm until 5am. This will remain in force until July 31.

As it relates to gatherings, 20 people are now allowed to congregate, up from the previous 10, providing that the proper social distancing protocols are observed. This will remain in place for 14 days from July 1.

Ten people have died locally.

Meanwhile, the total number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from isolation has risen to 552.

Jamaica's recovery rate now moves to 79.3% per cent.

Keeping in touch and staying well during the coronavirus pandemic

Staying at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may increase feelings of loneliness and affect your health and wellbeing. You may have to make more effort to stay in touch with people and find ways to keep your mind and body active. If you’re finding it difficult, there are helplines and support organisations to help you.

How older people can stay active during lockdown

Break up long periods of sitting down.

Many of us are finding that we’re sitting down for quite a lot of the day at the moment.

It’s a good habit to try and get up once an hour and stretch your legs a little.

Even if it’s just walking to the kitchen to put the kettle on, or doing the washing up, it all helps.

But if you find standing difficult, just moving your arms and legs for a few minutes every hour will also help break up those long stretches of sitting.

Easy home exercises to try do some gentle stretching

Stretching is a great way to keep supple, and doing it daily can also help improve flexibility and balance.

You can even do it sitting or lying down.

Try the following stretching exercise from Age UK: Sit on a chair Lift your leg up off the seat keeping your knee bent

Return to sitting position

Repeat with the other leg.

Try sitting exercises from your chair Sitting doesn’t necessarily mean being inactive.

There are actually quite a few exercises you can do from a sitting position.

But make sure to choose a chair that is stable, solid and doesn’t have wheels. And you should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent at right angles.

Try this exercise from the NHS: Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor,

Cross your arms and reach for your shoulders Without moving your hips, turn your upper body to the left as far as is comfortable Hold for five seconds

Repeat on the right side Repeat five times on each side.

During the coronavirus pandemic, it’s best to do as much as you can to stay active indoors. This is especially important if you’re an older person who may be more vulnerable to the illness. If you have limited mobility, or aren’t as fit as you used to be, it can be hard to know what sorts of exercises are safe to try at home. It’s important to stay as active as possible though, even in these challenging times. Doing so can reduce your risk of a fall and help you maintain your independence for as long as possible. And people who are active have a lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers and even dementia. Starting an exercise routine can feel a little intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are loads of simple routines you can try. And the good news is that many things you do every day anyway count towards your physical activity levels, such as cooking, housework or gardening.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/04/how-older-people-can-stay-active-during-lockdown/ - Which?

Coping with coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted everyone’s lives, but it’s been a particularly challenging period for older people who are at greater risk of falling seriously ill from the virus. A large proportion of COVID-19 deaths have sadly occurred in care homes. And many older people have experienced loneliness, isolation and less support than usual as a result of the social distancing measures that have been necessary to control the spread of the virus.

Staying safe and preventing loneliness

Older people are at greater risk of serious health problems from coronavirus. Here’s what you can do to stay safe, avoid feeling isolated and keep active at home.

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Covid19 Appeal and JA News

Monegue Town, Jamaica

Covid19 Appeal and JA News

Covid19, Update

The Elderly and Disabled need urgent response's from the authorities in two respects, firstly the development of specific strategies to minimise the exposure of the elderly to infection. And secondly the application of ameliorative measures to assist them to cope with the pressure of the crisis.

With regards to the preventative measures, there should be a prescribed and dedicated period of attendance of only the elderly at public places, such as Supermarkets, Pharmacies and collectorates, the period of which is reserved could be fixed for the 1st business hour of each day.

Employers, both Private and Public sector should minimise their office time that Senior citizens are required to attend their offices.

The Corona Virus has had a devastating effect on the Elderly and Disabled in Jamaica, Isolation and Exclusion has reached a rocket high in the community with the lock down restrictions that have been put in place.