COVID-19  UK Variant found in samples from five persons aboard sea vessel

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COVID-19 UK Variant found in samples from five persons aboard sea vessel

The Ministry of Health has reported the detection of Variants of Concern (VOC) in five positive samples sent to the University of the West Indies for genetic sequencing.

In a media release issued this evening, Friday April 2nd, all five samples sequenced revealed the presence of the B117 variant (the UK variant).

The Ministry said these samples were taken from foreign nationals aboard a sea vessel on March 23rd, 2021.

Upon receipt of the positive results; all five samples were sent via the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Laboratory.

The Health Ministry also said that none of these persons were allowed to disembark the vessel as per the national quarantine protocol.

Subsequently, the vessel left T&T waters on March 24th, 2021.

The public is reminded that all quarantine protocols remain in place to ensure the continued protection of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

  • 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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