The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in St Lucia said it has recently received new gene sequencing results of COVID-19 from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
The results indicate the presence of both the Omicron BA1 and BA2 lineages.
The Omicron Variant BA1 which has been circulating since February 2022 was confirmed in 11 of the samples sequenced.
Two cases of the Omicron BA2 Variant were confirmed.
Of the two cases of Omicron BA2 diagnosed; one is a male national from Anse La Raye and one is a female non-national from Gros- Islet.
The Omicron BA2 variant is responsible for the new waves noted in Barbados, Martinique and the developed countries.
The Omicron Variant remains the dominant variant circulating globally and has replaced all other circulating variants in most countries.
Although there is reduced SARS-CoV-2 testing
globally from the beginning of 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic continues with intense transmission and death particularly in high-risk populations and the unvaccinated.
The Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Johnson and Johnson and Moderna vaccines are available at the various wellness centres. The booster vaccine is also available for persons who have been fully vaccinated for over 6 months. Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently.
As we strive to live safely with COVID-19 and remove restrictive measures and open up the country, it is important that our public health protective measures are in place especially to
protect the most vulnerable.
The Ministry of Health appeals to all organizations, public and private sector to ensure the maintenance of the public health protocols. Let us strive to sustain the low number of COVID- 19 cases as we live, work, study and recreate safely with COVID-19.
