Jamaica records 22 cases of the COVID-19 Delta variant

Jamaica has confirmed 22 cases of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says 60 samples were sent to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

Out of those samples they received results for 40, and 22 were positive for the Delta variant.

Jamaica has recorded 289 new COVID-19 infections and 19 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total number of infections is now 59,377 and deaths, 1,339.

Jamaica is expecting to receive its 1st of 3 tranches of Pfizer vaccines from the US on Thursday.

The first shipment is expected to contain over 200,000 doses.

Children and teens will be prioritised for these vaccinations.