By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago has reported its first case of the Covid-19 Omicron variant of concern that has no travel history or known contact with another Covid-19 positive case.
That case is one of two additional cases reported by the Ministry of Health on Sunday.
This means that there are now five cases of the variant since the first case was reported last week Monday.
The ministry in a press release stated that the fourth patient recently returned to Trinidad from the United States via Puerto Rico. As per existing quarantine protocols, the person provided a negative PCR test which was taken 72-hours prior to arrival.
The fifth patient had no recent history of travel or known contact with another positive Covid-19 case.
The ministry stated, “As a result of their positive Covid-19 results both patients were 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 presence of the Omicron variants was confirmed via gene sequencing at the laboratory of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, the ministry stated.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), to date, 89 countries have confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of concern. Research has suggested that this variant is more easily spread from person to person as compared to previous variants but further information was needed on its impact on persons who contract this variant, the ministry added.
The Ministry of Health continues to remind the population of the importance of being vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus as soon as possible.
The population is also being reminded to follow all public health protocols especially when out in public.
