November 5, 2024

Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation

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First case of Omicron variant confirmed in Barbados

December 30th, 2021

The first case of the Omicron COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Barbados.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. The Most Honourable Kenneth George this evening revealed that the sample was confirmed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

While not revealing the source market of the lone confirmed case, the Chief Medical Officer said that with the hike in numbers over the last six days or so they have been doing preliminary sequencing but its now certain.

Dr. George says the concern is with the spread of the variant, as its rate of transmission was so much faster.

The Chief Medical Officer also disclosed that the elderly community is among the rising numbers with nursing homes having cases.

He says they are closely monitoring the situation.

The issue of celebrations for Old Year’s and New Year’s was also raised in light of the variant and Head of the COVID Monitoring Unit Ronald Chapman says approval has been given to some.

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