PORT OF SPAIN – Health authorities have confirmed the first case of the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as Trinidad and Tobago records an increase in deaths associated with the virus in recent weeks.
A statement from the Ministry of Health said that while there is no evidence to suggest that JN.1 causes more severe illness, it may spread more easily from person to person compared to other variants.
“For the period December 23, 2023, to January 15, 2024, unfortunately, five deaths were recorded. As of January 18, 2024, six deaths were recorded, four of which occurred in January 2024.”
The authorities said that this trend of increasing cases has been occurring globally over the last several months and Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh said a similar trend has been noted in the Caribbean “as a result of increased movement of persons, which usually occurs during the Christmas and the Carnival seasons, among other factors”.
The ministry is encouraging people to weigh the risk to themselves, their families, and their communities and take the necessary precautions to safeguard lives. It said it would continue encouraging the public to practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of viruses, including Influenza and COVID-19.
The authorities warn that people belonging to vulnerable groups are more prone to severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19, and the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons, and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are advised to exercise greater caution at this time. (CMC)
