MoH awaits CARPHA recommendations on new strain of Covid

-authorities will decide on travel soon

– Min. Anthony

The National COVID-19 Task Force is awaiting recommendations from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on the new variant of COVID-19 discovered recently in the United Kingdom (UK), before taking a decision on flights from that country.   

Based on these findings, travels between the UK and the Caribbean may likely be adjusted, as risk of importation is very high.     

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony made these statements during Tuesday’s COVID-19 updates.

“We have had some discussions with CARPHA yesterday and we are trying to get a consensus of the Caribbean position, how to react to this, and our advice from CARPHA is that we should wait a little bit to see what is happening and to get more scientific information before we make a decision.”

Dr. Anthony also noted that several countries have moved to stop air traffic between themselves and the UK.

“Countries in Europe, Canada, Russia, and some others, two Caribbean countries have proceeded and restricted flights out of the UK, Jamaica and Grenada, but the rest of the Region has not done so as yet, so, we will await some guidance from CARPHA,” he said.

CARPHA is liaising with its virologist and those from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on the matter.

“Once we confirm some of the mutations and understand the impact that these mutations may have, then we’ll be able to make a more definitive pronouncement,” Dr. Anthony said.

The Minister also said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh would be meeting key stakeholders on the disease’s mutation to explore possible safeguards.

The new variant which is still being investigated, is being referred to as SARS-CoV-2 VU1 202012/01. During Monday’s meeting with stakeholders, CARPHA said as of December 13, a total of 1, 108 persons in the UK had been identified with this variant of the disease.