Medical experts are calling on people to resume wearing masks as a new, more transmissible variant of COVID-19 gains dominance on the island. 

No mask mandate has been issued. 

The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) has stressed that whilst caution is necessary, there is no cause for alarm. While the variant has been here for several months, this strain is a more dominant one.

BAMP President Dr Lynda Williams told Barbados TODAY: “It has greater transmission . . . it doesn’t have any greater mortality, but anything that can spread faster will affect the vulnerable people most quickly, so we have to go back to the usual hand-washing and wearing of masks around people who are vulnerable and especially if they are working with them.”

The variant, known as JN1, is a sub-variant of Omicron. Its presence was first confirmed by the Ministry of Health in January, alongside a rise in respiratory illnesses including Influenza A and B and COVID-19.

Dr Williams advised that individuals vaccinated in 2020/2021 and who did not receive any boosters since then, the extent of their protection would have waned.

She said: “We will watch and see what happens; there is no need to panic, we just need to remember it’s still out there and those who are elderly or have uncontrolled comorbidities such as diabetes, they are at risk.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George clarified that the mask mandate has not been reintroduced. But he urged vulnerable people, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic non-communicable diseases, to take precautionary measures against respiratory illnesses.

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), JN1’s symptoms are similar to those of other strains, including sore throat, congestion, runny nose, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever or chills, loss of sense of taste or smell, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

The CDC notes that symptom type and severity usually depend more on an individual’s underlying health and immunity than on the specific variant causing the infection.

Despite COVID-19 no longer being classified as a disease of international public health concern, the Ministry of Health continues to test and monitor for COVID-19 strains, acknowledging that transmission of the virus has not ceased.

As the situation develops, health officials are advising people to exercise caution in crowded spaces and to prioritise protective measures, particularly for those at higher risk. (EJ)

The post Return to mask-wearing, officials urge as new COVID variant spreads appeared first on Barbados Today.

PAHO strengthens access to health data through its Core Indicators Portal

Cristina Mitchell

7 Aug 2024

lar degeneration. Susvimo is inserted during a one-time outpatient procedure and refilled every 6 months.Healio spoke with Chris Brittain, senior vice president and global head of ophthalmology product

Eating canned foods that are expired, severely dented, swollen, rusted or leaking can cause serious health conditions and can result in death due to exposure to deadly bacteria and other food-borne illnesses

View the full post Safe and unsafe canned foods on NOW Grenada.

CHOLESTEROL IS a waxy, fat-like substance throughout the body. It is not bad, unless you have too much of it. Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and some hormones, but too much cholesterol can pose a problem. Cholesterol comes from...

At least 2,000 persons can now benefit from a new health centre that has been built in the far-flung Mahaica Creek community of District Number 10, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said. He said the health centre was constructed at a cost of GY$46 million on a plot of land that was donated by Mr ...