MoH reveals three more P1 positives including one non-national, cases not linked to each other

Trinidad and Tobago has three more cases of P1, the Brazilian variant of Covid-19. The Ministry of Health confirmed today that the new cases were detected last night at the University of West Indies, during ‘genetic sequencing on Covid-19 positive samples’.

The variants were detected in cases from the Caroni, Victoria and St. George West counties. Two of the infected persons were nationals while the third was described as a non-national. One sample came from a person under the age of 18 years.

Photo: The P1 (Brazilian variant) of the Covid-19 virus is believed to more contagious than the original disease.

The Ministry of Health stressed that ‘the cases have not been geographically or epidemiologically linked to the previously identified P1 variant case, or to each other’.

The government has urged the public to be extra vigilant as a result of the finding.

“All contact tracing and isolation procedures are in progress and being managed by the relevant County Medical Officer of Health, with the aim of containing these variants of concern,” stated a MoH release.Current research suggests that the main mode of transmission of the P1 Variant is by respiratory droplet infection, the same as for all other strains. As such, adherence to the public health measures will help to reduce transmission of all strains of the virus.”

The Ministry of Health also confirmed 104 new cases of the novel coronavirus today, which took the Trinidad and Tobago’s total to 9,487 cases since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

There have been 1,461 positives in April already from 13,976 tests, which makes it the island republic’s second worst month on record since August 2020. The country had 1,759 confirmed cases from 15,709 tests last August, with most coming after the 10 August general elections.

Image: Taking the fight to Covid-19…

The Minister of Health advises citizens to:

  • Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you go out in public
  •  Keep your distance from others (6 feet)
  • Stay home if you are ill
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
  • Cough into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Clean then sanitise surfaces (eg table tops, door knobs and cell phones).

The Ministry also reminds the public that even persons who have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine are advised to continue to follow all of the public health guidelines in order to safeguard their health and that of their loved ones.

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