After much speculation, it has been confirmed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is the strain dominating the fourth wave of infections in Jamaica. Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday, January 25, while further extending the COVID-19 measures.
He notes there are indications that the numbers have begun to fall, and that the government will continue to monitor the figures to decide if there will be any upcoming adjustments.
Reports are that 40 of 43 COVID-19 samples tested locally with the country’s Genome Sequencing machine were confirmed to be the Omicron variant. The Prime Minister confirmed that the samples were taken between December 21 and 24, he says it is clear the variant is now the dominant strain in Jamaica.
Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Morais Guy queried the results of other samples sent overseas to test for the omicron variant. More details in this report:
