KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica is now experiencing a fifth wave of COVID-19.

This was reported by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton at a COVID Conversation on Wednesday.

There has been an increase in cases and in the positivity rate in the last few weeks which the minister said is likely due to the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant.

According to Dr Tufton, this fifth wave differs from the other four waves in that the severity of illness, along with the length of hospital stay, is now shorter.

“The good news, if you could classify it as such, is that the cases appear to be mild, but persons with comorbidities are at risk for more serious illness. Those who have mild symptoms or no symptoms may be at risk of developing long-COVID, and so the public is being encouraged to practice infection control measures, including the wearing of masks, physical distancing, hand washing and very importantly – staying at home when you are sick,” Tufton said.

Tufton reiterated that vaccination is still the best form of protection against the virus and continued to encourage Jamaicans to visit health centres to receive their shots, including boosters once they are eligible.

For her part, Minister of Education Fayval Williams explained that at least six high schools returned to online classes for some students due to an increase in cases at the school.

She added that further details about students sitting external examinations and other protocols will be shared shortly and that Town Hall meetings will be held to answer questions from parents and teachers.