5 more cases of Brazilian covid19 variant in Trinidad and Tobago

Five additional cases of the P1 covid19 variant (Brazilian variant) have been detected in Trinidad and Tobago.

This brings the total number of cases of the variant to nine.

In a release, the Health Ministry said the variants were detected in three people from St George Central and two from St George West. All five cases are nationals.

The ministry said it is important to note that the cases have no epidemiological link to each other and were identified in varying geographical locations in TT.

It said all contact tracing and isolation procedures are in progress, and are being managed by the relevant County Medical Officer of Health with the aim of reducing the spread of this "variant of concern."

The ministry said the covid19 vaccine is just one part of the overall tool kit that should be used to reduce the spread of the covid19 virus, in general, and the variants of concern. It said all of the personal protective measures such as mask-wearing must also be followed, even by people who have already been vaccinated. Public adherence to the public health measures is therefore critical, it said.