More than five (5) years after the initial COVID-19 outbreak, a new variant has been confirmed in several countries across the globe. The new strain, named NB.1.8.1 or ‘Nimbus,’ an Omicron variant, was first recognized in January 2025. It now accounts for 10.7% of global infections, with cases confirmed in several States across the U.S., as well as the U.K., Northern Ireland, Wales, Australia, Thailand and the most dominant variant in China and Hong Kong.
The Ministry of Health said last week it has “noted public interest regarding the new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has recently been designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization.” While there is no evidence that the new strain causes more severe symptoms, experts believe that it in can infect cells more efficiently (therefore, more transmissible) and can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea, constipation and nausea. Common symptoms align with typical Omicron subvariants and include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and a sore throat. The Ministry notes the following:
According to the Ministry, “Regardless of the variant, one thing remains true: Good hygiene saves lives.”
The Ministry said it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.
A WHO Spokesperson said recently of NB.1.8.1: “SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics. At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected.”
While NB.1.8.1 first appeared in samples at the beginning of this year, data from GISAID, a global data of genetic sequences of major disease-causing viruses, show that the first known cases were registered at the end of April. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective against this variant and protect anyone infected from severe illness. More on this as it becomes available.
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 The Ministry of Health is providing the public with an update on respiratory illnesses in the country. In a Media Release this afternoon (Friday 1st March, 2024), the Ministry said as it relates to the Influenza virus, four (4) deaths have been recorded for 2024. To date, 39,450 vaccines have been administered. The Ministry continues to urge the population, particularly the immuno-compromised and the vulnerable (listed below) to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines are available free of charge at Health Centres.
For 2024, the Ministry notes that there have been twenty-one (21) COVID-19 deaths thus far, with twelve (12) persons presently hospitalized across two (2) Hospitals - the San Fernando General Hospital and the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility. As previously noted, Trinidad and Tobago received confirmation of local transmission of the JN.1 sub-variant category, on 18th January, 2024. The JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Omicron variant, is the dominant variant across the world. The Ministry said it “continues to actively pursue the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines and will provide an update upon its arrival into the country., At this time, the Ministry said it has not seen any notable increase in severe respiratory illnesses within the public health system. However, the public is advised that those suffering with respiratory illnesses of any kind, should take the necessary precautions, especially in light of ongoing poor air quality due to the presence of the Saharan dust in the atmosphere. These persons are further encouraged to wear the appropriate masks (for e.g., surgical masks or N95 masks), as required, to reduce the risk of exacerbation of existing respiratory illnesses. The Ministry said it will continue to encourage the public to practice good hygiene with the aim of reducing the spread of these diseases, including the common cold, Influenza and COVID-19. These include:
It must be noted that persons belonging to vulnerable groups are more prone to severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19 and/or Influenza. Therefore, the elderly, pregnant women, immuno-compromised persons and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are advised to exercise greater caution at this time. The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation and will update the public as necessary.  With Carnival fast approaching, the number of visitors increasing, and COVID-19 cases on the uptick, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh gave an update on the country's preparedness on Wednesday (24th January, 2024). Speaking with the media during the Influenza Vaccine Drive at City Gate, Minister Deyalsingh said the Ministry is working on the matter. According to the Minister, “June last year we started to look at souring COVID-19 vaccines, knowing that our stock was going to expire in September. Those negotiations are ongoing and they seem promising but I can't give you any details because I am bound by confidentiality agreements, but we are actively looking to source more vaccines.” Minister Deyalsingh applauded the churches and businesses which voluntarily put protocols in place to protect their flocks against COVID-19. He added, “We have 272 beds allocated for Covid, only thirteen (13) people are in those beds — less than 5% of the beds are being used. Let us see what the numbers progress like but shutting down the economy and restricting movement is not on the cards.” The Minister also said screening has been taking place at the nation's ports of entry. 
In a Circular Memorandum issued on 16th January, 2024, Assistant Secretary of the Anjuman Sunnat-ul Jamaat Association Inc. (ASJA), Shazard Mohammed, implores Masjids and schools under its purview, to institute measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The memo was sent to its Regional Chairmen, Imams, ASIA Ladies Association, ASJA schools and colleges, as well as National Executive Members, in light of the recent announcement by the Ministry of Heath regarding the rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
According to the memo, “In light of the recent announcement by the Ministry of Heath regarding the rise in Covid cases and deaths within Trinidad and Tobago, the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association Inc. of Trinidad and Tobago implores you to institute measures within Masjids and schools to prevent the spread of the virus. The health and well-being of our community remain our top priority. As the situation evolves, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved in ASJA activities. Therefore, we kindly request your co-operation in adhering to the following:
The memo added, “We understand the challenges these measures may pose, however, they are essential for the collective wellbeing of our community. By working together and prioritizing safety, we can contribute to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and protecting the health of everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to the health and safety of our ASJA and the National community. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our protocols.”
Thirteen (13) people in Trinidad and Tobago are currently warded at Hospital with COVID-19. This was revealed by Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday afternoon (19th January, 2024). The Minister made the announcement while wearing a mask in Parliament.
Meanwhile, it was revealed on Thursday (18th January, 2024) that Trinidad and Tobago recorded its first COVID-19 case belonging to the JN.1 sub-variant. More on this as it becomes available. 
Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, revealed during the sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday afternoon (19th January, 2024), that thirteen (13) people in Trinidad and Tobago are currently warded at Hospital with COVID-19. He made the announcement while wearing a mask.
Responding to an urgent question from Caroni East MP, Dr. Rishad Seecheran, on the immediate measures the Government is taking to treat with the current surge of the virus, Minister Deyalsingh assured that several contingency plans are in place.
He said while the virus is not yet endemic, the Ministry has activated a fully-commissioned staff and operational in-patient Hospital with a capacity of 272 beds, of which thirteen (13) — or less than 5% — is currently occupied at three (3) Hospitals across the country. The Minister added that his Ministry’s Infection Control Protocol (ICP) is currently active as well. “We have more than an adequate supply of Protective Personal Equipment [PPE] for our healthcare workers,” he assured. Minister Deyalsingh said that PCR testing also remains mandatory in an effort to treat COVID-19 patients. Acknowledging the recently confirmed case of the JN.1 variant in the country, he gave the assurance that while the virus is a fourth generation Omicron variant, and possibly more transmissible, it does not produce more significant disease symptoms. “So, that is very crucial to note,” he said. Minister Deyalsingh also confirmed that the Ministry currently has 2,133 vials of Tocilizumab in stock — a drug used to treat COVID-19 patients. He explained that each patient would require four (4) doses of the drug, therefore there is sufficient medication for an average of 500 patients, if needed. “It must be noted that this is only reserved for severe, confirmed cases of COVID-19,” he clarified. Asked by Dr. Seecheran whether the Ministry intends to procure additional COVID-19 vaccines, Minister Deyalsingh said the Government has always been in talks to secure a supply. “...Since July last year, knowing that our vaccines were expiring in September. Those talks are progressing well, but I am under confidentiality agreements not to disclose the nature of those talks, but they are going well,” he assured. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: Loop]  UPDATE: A rodent infestation is said to be the cause of the school’s closure. The Division of Education, Research and Technology (DERTech) in Tobago announced the early dismissal of the Signal Hill Government Primary School on Thursday (18th January, 2024), due to what it called “health and safety concerns.” The school remained closed on Friday.
The news came on the same day the Ministry of Health revealed that T&T recorded its first COVID-19 case belonging to the JN.1 sub-variant category. According to a Media Release issued on Thursday, DERTech said, “In our steadfast commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our staff and students, DERTech has collaborated with the Public Health Department of the Division of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection to promptly address the current issue. Consequently, the school will remain closed on Friday, January 19, 2024. DETech expresses gratitude for the understanding and co-operation of all stakeholders during this temporary closure. Further updates on the school's reopening will be communicated over the course of the weekend.” DERTech re-introduced safety protocols in all schools on the island earlier this week. A previous Media Release from the Division noted that there has been a notable increase in the number of persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms associated with Influenza and COVID-19, and as such, a decision had to be made. “As a precautionary measure, the Division of Education, Research and Technology advises all Principals to reactivate all the related COVID-19 protocols at their respective schools,” the Media Release noted. The Division advised further that Principals from Early Childhood Care and Education Centres (ECCE), as well as Primary and Secondary Schools, pay particular attention to entry protocols, sanitization facilities — including sinks and cleaning agents — and sick bays. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.  The Ministry of Health said it continues to monitor global trends for COVID-19 and other viruses of concern.
In a Media Release this afternoon (Thursday 18th January, 2024), the Ministry said in this regard, it notes “the global increase in COVID-19 cases within recent months. A similar trend was noted in the Caribbean region and locally, as a result of increased movement of persons, which usually occurs during the Christmas and the Carnival Seasons, among other factors.” The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health, recently announced an increase in hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 in the country. The Ministry notes that for the period 23rd December, 2023 to 15th January, 2024, unfortunately five (5) deaths were recorded. As of today (18th January, 2024), however, six (6) deaths were recorded, four (4) of which occurred in January 2024. The Ministry is advising the public that Trinidad and Tobago received confirmation today of its first COVID-19 case belonging to the JN.1 sub-variant category, from CARPHA. This sub-variant is a descendant of the Omicron variant. At this time, the Ministry notes that there is no evidence to suggest that the JN.1 sub-variant causes more severe illness. However, evidence suggests that it may be more easily spread from person to person than its predecessor. The most recently emerged JN.1 variant is a descendent of BA.2.86 that has gained significantly higher transmission ability. With an additional substitution mutation (L455S) in the spike protein, the JN.1 variant exhibits faster circulation than BA.2.86 worldwide. The Ministry is therefore encouraging persons to weigh the risk to themselves, their families and their communities, and to take the necessary precautions to safeguard lives. The Ministry said it will continue to encourage the public to practice good hygiene with the aim of reducing the spread of viruses, including Influenza and COVID-19. These include the following:
The Ministry said it must be noted that persons belonging to vulnerable groups are more prone to severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19. Therefore, the elderly, pregnant women, immuno-compromised persons and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are advised to exercise greater caution at this time. The Ministry advises that it will continue to monitor the situation and will update the public as necessary. More on this as it becomes available. This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.  UPDATE (18/01/24): The Ministry is advising the public that Trinidad and Tobago received confirmation today of its first COVID-19 case belonging to the JN.1 sub-variant category, from CARPHA. Details here. Minister of Health, the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, revealed this afternoon (Monday 15th January, 2024) that Trinidad and Tobago has recorded five (5) deaths from COVID-19 since 28th December, 2023. Minister Deyalsingh made the announcement while speaking at the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) mass vaccination site at the Divali Nagar site in Chaguanas, where he gave an update on COVID-19 and Influenza. According to the Minister, two (2) deaths were recorded between 28th - 31st December, 2023 and three (3) in the month of January, so far. He stated that these deaths occurred in the elderly and elderly persons with co-morbidities (Hypertension, Diabetes, etc). He also noted there has been one (1) confirmed death from Influenza. Minister Deyalsingh said there has been a small uptick in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of January — with nine (9) persons currently hospitalized with the virus — three (3) ward-level patients at the Couva Hospital, four (4) adult ward-level patients, one (1) pediatric ward-level patient and one (1) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient at the San Fernando General Hospital. The Health Minister confirmed there are NO COVID-19 vaccines available in the country. He said 795,000 vaccines were dumped and destroyed last year as they were not utilized by the public and became expired. However, there are plans afoot to acquire more vaccines, which he admitted will be a difficult task to source for a relatively small quantity. Minister Deyalsingh said there are no signs of the new JN.1 COVID-19 variant so far in the country, but did not rule out the possibility that it may already be here. The most recently emerged JN.1 variant is a descendent of BA.2.86 that has gained significantly higher transmission ability. With an additional substitution mutation (L455S) in the spike protein, the JN.1 variant exhibits faster circulation than BA.2.86 worldwide. More on this as it becomes available.
This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates. [Source: TTT Live Online]  The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is warning about the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in the Region of the Americas, including the Caribbean.
According to PAHO, its epidemiological update provides “recommendations for maintaining surveillance of these viruses and strengthening health systems response, particularly given the current outbreaks of other communicable diseases.” PAHO said elevated levels of acute respiratory disease were recorded in the region in 2023, “driven by the circulation of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV].” PAHO notes that the Northern Hemisphere is currently experiencing epidemics of all three (3) viruses expected in the Winter, while some countries in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing incidences higher than expected for the season, due to the circulation of SARS-CoV-2. The health body recommends that Member States maintain surveillance of respiratory viruses “to detect any changes in circulation or severity of disease; be prepared to respond to a possible increase in cases and hospitalizations; and continue efforts to increase vaccination against Influenza and COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk populations.” PAHO is also urging regional countries to “keep healthcare systems prepared and alert at all levels in order to respond to a possible increase in outpatient cases and hospitalizations, especially coinciding with the epidemic period for other communicable diseases with high demand for care.” More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3]  The Ministry of Health is reminding the public that Pfizer Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine is available at Health Centres. The Ministry said it received 5,760 doses of the vaccine on 6th July 2023 through a donation from the Government of Greece, facilitated through the COVAX facility.
The public is advised that this vaccine is suitable for individuals eighteen (18) years and over as primary and booster doses, and as a booster dose for children (anyone under 18) only. In a Media Release on Saturday (19th August 2023), the Ministry notes that while COVID-19 is no longer considered a global health emergency, it is encouraging the public, particularly the vulnerable and those who have not yet been vaccinated or boosted, to visit the nearest Health Facility to access the vaccine. The Ministry wishes to further advise of the availability of the following COVID-19 vaccines and their usage: Pfizer
Pfizer
Sinopharm
Johnson & Johnson (J&J)
Further details on COVID-19 vaccination sites and booster eligibility can be obtained by visiting the Ministry's website at www.health.gov.tt. |
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