The Ministry of Health & Wellness says the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of COVID-19 have been identified in Jamaica following the latest gene sequencing performed at the University of the West Indies.
Eighty-seven samples were sequenced with sample dates from May 13 to July 11, 2022. All were identified as the Omicron variant.
Of the 87 samples with sequencing, eight were BA.5 and five were BA.4
sub-variants.
National Epidemiologist Dr. Karen Webster Kerr cautioned that the Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 are the dominant variants globally and are
highly transmissible, based on advice from World Health Organization (WHO).
As a result, the ministry says there may be an increase in number of COVID-19 cases.
The public is being urged to practice infection prevention and control measures, including wearing of masks, hand washing, physical distancing and staying home if you are sick.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness has also advised that COVID-19 vaccines remain widely available and protect against severe illness.
It says all persons 12 years and older should visit any of the more than 200
vaccination centres to be vaccinated if they have not already done so.
Persons who are eligible for boosters are encouraged to take the booster dose now as it is possible their level of protection may have waned over time.
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