The Ministry of Health Urges Vigilance in the Wake of the New Coronavirus Variant, Omicron

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has issued a warning to residents to maintain vigilant in observing the COVID-19 protocols in light of the global rise in cases of the Omicron variant.

In it’s warning in a press statement, the Ministry stated that since the variant was first reported by South African authorities on 24, November this year, there has been a sharp increase in the number of infections globally.

It adds that the variant currently appears to have an increased potential to be transmitted among members of the same household, and is showing greater potential to evade immune protection from natural immunity and vaccination.

The Ministry says there is no confirmed data on the severity of Omicron infection and morbidity.

Officials further state that in this time of uncertainty and with increased passenger arrivals on island, residents must take measures to reduce their risk of COVID-19 infection; including proven public health and social measures such as wearing masks, hand hygiene, social distancing and avoiding crowded spaces.

Residents and visitors to the island are being encouraged to abide by quarantine laws prohibiting contact with persons in quarantine.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services is also appealing to residents to get vaccinated or obtain a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, adding that vaccination improves the body’s ability to fight disease and leads to an easier recovery and better outcome should COVID-19 infection occur.

Persons wishing to register for vaccination can do so by contacting the St. John’s Health Centre at 491-5218.

Parents may also register their children age 12 and over for vaccination.