THE Brazilian variant of the Covid-19 virus (P1) is detected in a patient in Trinidad and Tobago.
A release from the Ministry of Health on Monday stated that that this variant of concern (VOC) was found in a local sample which was sent to the University of the West Indies (UWI) for genetic sequencing.
It stated, “The sample was taken from a Covid-19 positive patient in the Nariva/Mayaro County and was sent, via the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to the UWI Laboratory.
“The contact tracing required to restrict the spread of the virus has already begun. Additionally, the public is reminded that all quarantine protocols remain in place to ensure the continued protection of the people of T&T.”
In the past, both the UK variant and the Brazilian variants were detect but from people who were either in quarantine or aboard a ship in T&T waters.
This is the first time a Covid-19 variant has been discovered within the local community.
