As the third wave of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to ravage Jamaica, the island has recorded its highest number of cases in months.

According to data released by the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Friday (August 13), 544 new cases were confirmed positive over the last 24 hours—sending the country’s tally to 56,709.

It is the single highest daily spike recorded in the island since the 558 new cases that were confirmed by health officials on March 22 this year.

The ministry, in its clinical management summary, indicated that all 14 parishes registered COVID-positive cases, with Kingston and St Andrew (85), St James (81), Manchester (71), St Catherine (54) and St Elizabeth (53) among the five areas with the highest infections.

The positivity rate, referring to the number of confirmed cases against samples tested, remains high at 34.6 per cent.

Jamaica is now managing a whopping 7,678 active cases.

While 47,389 persons have recovered from the infectious disease, some 1,276 Jamaicans have died due to coronavirus-related complications, following eight new deaths between July 31 and August 11.

Additionally, there are 359 Jamaicans being treated at hospital, 81 of which are classified as ‘moderately ill’ and 34 more listed as ‘critically ill’.

With infections again on the uptick, the Government of Jamaica has tightened restrictions aimed at curbing the virus’ spread after initially reopening several industries on July 1.

Active cases have since risen dramatically and in the wake of Emancipendence celebrations, recoveries have failed to keep pace with the new national outbreak.

See related articles:

• Jamaica’s COVID-19 caseload again on the rise as infections spike
• ‘Not good!’: Jamaican coronavirus cases hit second consecutive July peak
• Active COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Jamaica as recoveries remain flat