Jamaica confirms BA.2 variant of Omicron, warns of possible case increase
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health and Wellness on Thursday confirmed the presence of the Omicron BA.2 strain of COVID-19 in Jamaica.
According to the ministry, of 89 samples sequenced between January 1 and March 4, 2022, two or 2.3 per cent were the BA.2 variant of the Omicron while 97.7 per cent were the BA.1 strain.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie cautioned that “the BA.2 variant according to World Health Organization is the dominant variant globally and the type of illness associated with this variant is similar to the BA.1 variant. The variant is highly transmissible and as a result, there may be an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
“While majority of cases appear to be mild, persons with comorbidities are at risk for severe illness and persons who have mild symptoms and no symptoms may be at risk for developing long COVID,” she added.
The CMO said the public is encouraged to practice infection prevention and control measures, including wearing of masks , hand washing, physical distancing and staying home if they are sick.
