No need for alarm about COVID-19 variant – CMO

The most recent COVID-19 samples received from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) have not raised any concerns among local health authorities.

Chief Medical Officer Dr The Most Honourable Kenneth George sought to make that clear in response to information circulating on social media about a new COVID-19 variant. 

He told the Barbados Government Information Service that while some of the information contained in the post carried some credibility, the rest of the details were not substantiated by science.

Dr George further noted that Barbados’ COVID-19 hospitalisation rate remained low, at less than five per cent occupancy.

“We continue to send random samples to CARPHA for genomic typing. To date, none of the samples returned have required our immediate action,” he said.

“The positivity rate remains between 25 and 30 per cent. However, there is no indication that transmission rates have increased or that persons are having adverse outcomes. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation internationally.”

The Chief Medical Officer again encouraged members of the public to protect themselves by “masking up” if they were in “unsure” situations.

He also urged them to play their part to help prevent people over the age of 65 as well as those with chronic conditions from contracting COVID-19. (PR/BT)