T&T records first case of JN. I variant of COVID-19

Trinidad and Tobago recorded the first case of the JN. I variant category of COVID-19 due to an increase in deaths associated with the virus in recent weeks. It is to be noted that the case was confirmed by the health authorities.

According to the statement released by the Ministry of Health, for the time being, there is no evidence to suggest that JN. 1 causes more serious illness; however, it is evident that it may spread more easily from person to person as compared to other variants.

“For the period December 23, 2023, to January 15, 2024, unfortunately, five deaths were recorded. As of January 18, 2024, six deaths were recorded, four of which occurred in January 2024”, stated health authorities.

As per the authorities, the cases related to COVID-19 have been increasing at a world level over the last several months, and similar trends have been noted in the Caribbean, stated Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh.

“As a result of increased movements of persons, which usually occurs during the Christmas and the Carnival season, among other factors”, added the Health Minister of T&T.

Noting this, the ministry is encouraging people to assess the risk to themselves, their families, and their communities and asking them to take necessary precautions to protect lives.

Moreover, they said that the authorities will continue to encourage people to follow proper hygiene practices to reduce the spread of viruses, including influenza and COVID-19.

Furthermore, the health ministry warned that people belonging to vulnerable groups are more likely to suffer severe consequences if they contracted Covid-19 victims.

It is to be noted that the elderly, pregnant women, immune-compromised individuals and those who are suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are advised to exercise greater caution at this time.

Additionally, the news has been spreading to various social media platforms, and many people took to their official Facebook accounts to express their concern regarding an increase in the number of viruses in the country.

While reacting to the news, a person named Kathleen Betaudier wrote, “Lots of variants which never left this world just a matter of time more persons are going to be affected as we let our guards down since the lockdowns were discontinued, as long as we don’t exercise due care we are going to be affected by viruses. Even our weather patterns have changed, and maybe it’s a cause for more concerns when it comes to variants, carnival or no carnival.”

Another FB user by the name of Vilma Khillawan commented, “Ppl are still testing positive for Covid…I know more than two ppl right now…so it is still here…if it never went…take precautions, guys.”

As the carnival is on its way, the rising cases of COVID-19 and influenza viruses may disturb tourism, which will somehow affect the country’s economy. People will avoid gathering at then crowded places, which ruins the taste of the carnival.

Therefore, people are advised to wear masks and take all the precautionary measures to combat virus infections. They are advised to maintain a distance from the people who are already suffering from this virus, and if one finds any symptoms, he/she is expected to visit the nearby medical centre for aid.