- Trinidad first case of JN.I COVID variant recorded
Health officials identified the first case of the JN.I form of the coronavirus (COVID-19), as Trinidad and Tobago saw a rise in virus-related mortality in recent weeks.
The Ministry of Health stated that, while there is no proof that JN.1 causes more severe sickness, it may spread more quickly from person to person than other varieties.
“Unfortunately, five deaths occurred between December 23, 2023 and January 15, 2024. As of January 18, 2024, six deaths were reported, four of which happened in January 2024.”
The authorities stated that this trend of increasing cases has been occurring globally over the last several months, and Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh stated that a similar trend has been noted in the Caribbean “as a result of increased movement of persons, which usually occurs during the Christmas and Carnival seasons, among other factors”.
The ministry encourages people to consider the risks to themselves, their families, and their communities and take the required actions to save lives. It stated that it would continue to encourage the public to practise good hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses like as influenza and Covid-19.
The authorities warn that people in vulnerable groups are more likely to suffer serious consequences if they develop COVID-19, and the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised people, and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) should exercise extra caution at this time.
