Port Of Spain – The Trinidad and Tobago based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says it has detected the first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) Omicron sub-lineage BA.2 in the twin island republic.
In a statement on Sunday – CARPHA said BA.2 is one type of the Omicron variant of concern in circulation in the world and is not considered to be a new variant.
“The person had no history of recent travel and no known contact with recent travellers. The case is still under epidemiological investigation. As a result of the positive COVID-19 result, the patient was isolated and will remain in isolation until the discharge criteria for people with COVID-19 variants of concern are met.”
The regional health body said that contacts of the person who tested positive are also in quarantine.
CARPHA said the presence of the Omicron sub-linage was confirmed via gene sequencing at the laboratory.
”The Ministry of Health reminds the population of the importance of being vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as soon as possible. Additionally, members of the public are reminded to follow all of the recommended personal health protective measures, even if they are fully vaccinated,” CARPHA noted. (CMC)