MAJ expects Omicron variant to have significant impact in Jamaica

Following news out of  the United Kingdom regarding hospitalisations associated with the omicron variant of  COVID-19, Dr Brian James, President of the Medical Association of  Jamaica (MAJ), is predicting that the variant's effect will be much worse in Jamaica.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday declared an Omicron emergency and announced that booster shots will be offered to everyone 18 years and older from this week.

Mr Johnson said Britain is now facing a tidal wave of  Omicron cases.

Dr. James told Radio Jamaica News that  Jamaica's best defense is to rapidly boost vaccination numbers.

He added that he was not certain at this time whether the government should institute special measures for persons arriving in Jamaica from the UK.

Jamaica currently has travel bans in place for several countries in southern Africa, but last week Prime Minister Andrew Holness said these are likely to become pointless as the Omicron variant spreads worldwide.