The Ministry of Health issued an advisory today revealing the detection of a Variant of Concern (VOC) in a local sample which was sent to the University of the West Indies for genetic sequencing.
According to a Ministry of Health release, the sample sequenced revealed the presence of the P1 variant (the Brazilian variant).
This was confirmed today, Monday 19th April, 2021.
The sample was taken from a COVID-19 positive patient in the Nariva/Mayaro County and was sent, via the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Laboratory.
The contact tracing required to restrict the spread of the virus has already begun.
Additionally, the public is reminded that all quarantine protocols remain in place to ensure the continued protection of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and to follow all public health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19:
Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you go out in public
Keep your distance from others (6 feet)
Stay home if you are ill
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Cough into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow
Avoid touching your face
Clean then sanitize surfaces (e.g. table tops, door knobs and cell phones)
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