In the age of digital communication, what people say online can offer powerful insights into how they feel about public policies. This study uses Twitter (now X) to understand how Jamaicans reacted to COVID-19 lockdowns, especially after a major outbreak at a call centre in April 2020. By analysing over 1,600 tweets using machine learning tools, researchers found that 76% expressed negative feelings about the restrictions. This suggests that many citizens were frustrated or opposed to the measures, which may explain why compliance was low. The study shows how social media can be a valuable tool for public health officials. By tapping into real-time public sentiment, governments can design policies that are more in tune with how people feel—making them more effective and easier to enforce. This approach represents a shift toward smarter, data-driven decision-making in public health, especially in times of crisis. It also highlights the growing importance of non-traditional data sources in shaping responsive and inclusive health strategies.