By Chantalé Fletcher
TWO more cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are reported in Tobago.
One of the cases was reported to be a Trinidad and Tobago national and an unvaccinated minor. There were now three confirmed Omicron cases on the island.
In a release on Wednesday, the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection (DHWSP) stated that the second case was confirmed on Tuesday followed by the third case on Wednesday (today) via gene sequencing at the Faculty of Medical Sciences Laboratory, University of the West Indies.
Details on a third case will be shared in a subsequent release, the division stated.
DHWSP said the second case was a national and an unvaccinated minor, who recently returned to Tobago from the United States, transiting through Trinidad.
“The individual provided a negative PCR test, which was taken 72-hours prior to arrival in Trinidad. As per existing quarantine protocols for unvaccinated minors returning from travel, the individual was allowed to quarantine at home, pending the results of another PCR test three to five days after arrival.
“However, the sample was collected on January 5 and returned positive two days after. As such, the entire family was placed in home quarantine but the individual is well and remains in-home quarantine.”
Acting County Medical Officer of Health Dr Tiffany Hoyte said: “We have ongoing community spread. With that in mind, everyone is encouraged to follow the public health protocols rigorously and get the additional layer of protection by getting vaccinated.
“The public is reminded that although vaccines do not eliminate the possibility of being infected, they do reduce the risk of becoming infected and they absolutely reduce the severity of the disease if one is infected, although being vaccinated.”
