By Sue-Ann Wayow
TWO samples of Covid-19 positive patients in Tobago have been flagged for further testing of the Brazilian variant (P1) including from some-one who tested positive for the virus last year.
At the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development in Tobago media conference on Thursday, Covid-19 Response Team Member in the County Medical Officer of Health office Dr Anthony Thompson emphasised that there was still no confirmed cases of the variant on the island.
He said, “Two samples would have been flagged to specifically request that they be tested for the Brazilian variant. We do not have an answer back as yet to confirm that yes it is in fact here, however it would be prudent to assume that it was. One of whom was a person who was diagnosed and discharged sometime last year for Covid and again presented with symptoms so it is suggestive that it is different variant that the person has been infected with or re-infected with. The other is a person whose death was somewhat unexpected so that one was flagged as well.”
Dr Thompson added that there was also an increase in the length of time tests results sent to Trinidad to be returned as Trinidad cases also increased.
At the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, the Division reported a cluster of cases found but operations continue said the Division’s Secretary Tracy Davidson-Celestine.
Davidson-Celestine said those affected would have been quarantined and the hotel would do what was necessary to continue operations following specific health guidelines.
And it was also reported that a Covid-19 positive maternity patient gave birth at the Scarborough General Hospital before there was knowledge of her Covid status.
This was confirmed by Dr Victor Wheeler, Acting Medical Chief of Staff at the hospital who said both mother and baby would be looked after in isolation and the necessary precautions taken.
