Jamaica moves towards testing capability for UK COVID strain
The
Government of Jamaica is moving to acquire critical pieces of equipment that
will allow the country to conduct tests for the presence of coronavirus
(COVID-19) variant strains in the island.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure at a virtual press conference on March 8.
He said
it will cost approximately $60 million to acquire the equipment, which will be
lodged at the public health laboratory.
Tufton informed that arrangements are also being made to test local samples for the variant strain of the virus in the United States.
He said
it will cost approximately $60 million to acquire the equipment, which will be
lodged at the public health laboratory.
Tufton confirmed the presence of the United Kingdom variant of the virus in the island, following the testing of samples by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
Tufton said
of the samples sent to CARPHA, seven were confirmed positive for the UK
variant.Â
