SIX more cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant of concern have been identified bringing the total number of Omicron cases to be detected to 11 in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Ministry of Health in a press release on Monday stated that the cases were confirmed on Sunday evening.
The ministry stated, “Three of the cases were foreign nationals aboard an international ship which has already left local waters. Two cases were nationals with a recent history of travel. One case is a national with no history of travel. This case is pending epidemiological investigation.”
As a result of their positive Covid-19 results all patients have been isolated. The patients will remain in isolation until they meet the enhanced discharge criteria for persons with Covid-19 variants of concern. Additionally, contacts of the positive Omicron Covid-19 cases have been quarantined, the ministry stated.
The presence of the Omicron variants was confirmed via gene sequencing at the laboratory of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), to date, 108 countries have confirmed cases of the Omicron variant. Research has suggested that this variant is more easily spread from person to person as compared to previous variants but further information is needed on its impact on persons who contract this variant.
The Ministry of Health continues to remind the population of the importance of being vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus as soon as possible and to continue following all health protocols.
