The latest weekly report on COVID-19 cases in Jamaica shows that the country has recorded 152,827 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Within the week of December 24, 2022 to January 2, 2023, the small island saw 36 new cases being recorded, 73 recoveries and one death from December 2022 that was confirmed. There are also 57 active cases, with a seven-day average positivity rate of 4.5 per cent.

Jamaica is close to recording 3,500 COVID-19 related deaths, with 35 deaths separating the island from hitting the landmark figure. There are also more than 300 deaths under investigation that could increase the death toll.

The latest news about the virus has indicated that a new variant, Omicron variant XBB.1.5, has been circulating in the Caribbean and the United States.

Reports from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are that 40 per cent of US COVID cases in the last week of December can be attributed to the new variant. Health officials also note that it is the most highly transmissible of the Omicron variants.

But, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, there is no trace of the Omicron XXB.1.5 in Jamaica, despite having a record number of tourists visiting the island.

In addition to the United States, there are reports of an alarming number of COVID-19 cases in China. The ministry had announced in a release that it would be keeping an eye on the developments in the Asian country, but no information was given about the Government’s plan, should an outbreak occur.

Instead, Jamaicans were urged to get vaccinated at their nearest health centre. Those already vaccinated were also encouraged to return for booster shots.

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