Jamaica could see a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, as the Ministry of Health warns that two more variants of the virus have been identified locally.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed the presence of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Covid-19 in Jamaica.
It says during the latest gene sequencing performed at the University of the West Indies, eighty-seven samples were sequenced with sample dates from May 13 to July 11, and all were identified as the Omicron variant.
Of the 87 samples, eight were BA.5, and five were BA.4 sub-variants.
The ministry has cautioned that “the Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 are highly transmissible and as a result, there may be an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.”
The public is therefore encouraged to practice infection prevention and control measures.
National epidemiologist, Dr. Karen Webster Kerris is also reminding the public that vaccination can prevent serious illness and death.
