Presence of JN.1 COVID-19 variant confirmed on island

Barbados has confirmed the presence of the newest strain of COVID-19 – the JN.1 – a sub variant of Omicron.

That’s the word from Chief Medical Officer, Dr. the Most Honourable Kenneth George as he reminded the public that although COVID-19 is no longer a disease of international public health concern, transmission of the virus has not stopped.

In a Ministry of Health and Wellness release, he emphasised that the mask mandate has not been reintroduced.

However, the public is reminded that the usual precautionary measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illness should be taken into consideration, especially by vulnerable people – the elderly, pregnant women and those living with chronic non-communicable diseases.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it continues to test and monitor for COVID-19 strains and report to the public as necessary.

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