Despite reports of cases of the highly transmissible strain of COVID-19 JN.1 escalating internationally, Chief Medical Officer The Most Honourable Dr Kenneth George says the virus is no longer a disease of public health concern in Barbados.
However, he said even though it is almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, the Ministry of Health and Wellness remains vigilant with respect to monitoring new cases recorded on the island.
While a number of Barbados’ tourism source markets have been reporting increased cases, George said in recent weeks, fortunately, Barbados did not record any COVID-19-related deaths.
He added that the number of people being hospitalised with the disease has been down to the point that the St Lucy-based Harrison Point Isolation Facility is being transitioned from an acute care facility for treating people with COVID-19. (AH)
Subscribe now to our eNATION edition for the full story.
For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.

![BTMI EUR Fly From Barbados Condor 2026_Pop-ups- [600p wide x 600p high]-](https://nationnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BTMI-EUR-Fly-From-Barbados-Condor-2026_Pop-ups-600p-wide-x-600p-high--0x0.jpg)
