By Kimberly Ramkhalawan
January 6, 2023
The latest news to be coming out from the United States, shows that the COVID-19 sub-variant XBB.1.5, is affecting its population. And while this might concern the Caribbean region as it welcomes many tourists from the US, CARPHA is assuring the region that the current strain is not new to the Caribbean.
According to Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Dr. Joy St. John, in speaking with Caribbean media, says this variant which is likened to be a sub variant of Omicron, has been in circulation in region since last year, 2022.
American news media outlets have been reporting that the latest variant has been described as easily transmitted, accounting for the majority of COVID-19 cases recorded.
Dr St.John says so far the region has not recorded any such severe cases of this particular variant that has led to severe hospitalization and death.
She notes that to the latter 2022, there have been other respiratory illnesses and viruses which have been in circulation within the region, but assures were not COVID related. An interesting point she highlighted was the decline in PCR testing among Caribbean states in recent months, when compared to being in the midst of the pandemic.