Omicron, the Dominant Strain in TCI

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2022 – The original strain of Omicron BA1, is prevalent in the Turks and Caicos, dominating samples recently returned to the country.

“The most recent results of sequencing of samples received by the TCI from Cayman this week, revealed that 22 of the 26 samples which were able to be sequenced were all of the omicron variant of COVID19. This was much as expected based on the trajectory of infections in the TCI since December 2022,” said Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer, Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health

Astwood, in her report to the nation on Thursday February 24, while confirming  omicron as the dominant variant of COVID in the country also said it is also the version of the virus responsible for the most re-infections.

“There are also other variants in circulation and there are likely new variants which will emerge in future including the BA2 variant of omicron which has been identified in at least 80 countries and 48 states within the USA. Initial data has shown that this variant of omicron is more transmissible than the BA 1 omicron variant, and is still being monitored closely globally as well as by the TCI.”

The newer omicron variant, BA 2 has not been confirmed for Turks and Caicos, but TCI – as has been guided by the World Health Organization – is keeping an eye out for this omicron spawn, she said.