By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago has reported its first case of JN.1 sub-variant category of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.
And another Covid-19 death was reported.
The Ministry of Health in a media release on Thursday advised that it received confirmation of the JN.1 subvariant from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) earlier that day.
The ministry stated, “At this time, the Ministry notes that there is no evidence to suggest that the JN.1 sub-variant causes more severe illness. However, evidence suggests that it may be more easily spread from person to person than its predecessor.”
However, the ministry noted the global increase in Covid-19 cases within recent months.
“A similar trend was noted in the Caribbean region and locally, as a result of increased movement of persons, which usually occurs during the Christmas and the Carnival seasons, among other factors,” the release stated.
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh recently announced an increase in hospitalisations and deaths related to Covid-19 in the country.
For the period December 23, 2023 to January 15, 2024, five deaths were recorded. As of January 18, 2024, six deaths were recorded, four of which occurred in January, 2024.
The Ministry of Health encourages persons to weigh the risk to themselves, their families and their communities, and to take the necessary precautions to safeguard lives.
The ministry pledged to continue encouraging the public to practice good hygiene with the aim of reducing the spread of viruses including Influenza and Covid-19.
