Newest COVID-19 strain detected in Barbados

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed that the new and fast-spreading variant of COVID-19, the JN1 (a sub-variant of Omicron), has been detected here.

It said in a statement issued through the Government Information Service, that the discovery was made as a result of the local variant testing which was done following an increase in the incidence of respiratory illness, including Influenza A and B and COVID-19.

The ministry reminded that although COVID-19 is no longer a disease of international public health concern, transmission of the virus has not stopped and it therefore continues to test and monitor for COVID-19 strains.

Chief Medical Officer Dr the Most Honourable Kenneth George stressed that the mask mandate has not been reintroduced, but urged the usual precautionary measures for preventing the spread of respiratory illness, particularly by vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant women and persons living with chronic non-communicable diseases.
(BT)