The Ministry of Health advises the national community of the detection of a Variant of Concern (VOC) in a local sample which was sent to the University of the West Indies for genetic sequencing.

The sample sequenced revealed the presence of the P1 variant (the Brazilian variant) and was confirmed today.

The sample was taken from a COVID-19 positive patient in the Nariva/Mayaro County and was sent, via the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to the University of the West Indies (UWI) Laboratory.

The Ministry says contact tracing required to restrict the spread of the virus has already begun.

Additionally, the public is reminded that all quarantine protocols remain in place to ensure the continued protection of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and to follow all public health guidelines as it relates to COVID-19:

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when you go out in public

Keep your distance from others (6 feet)

Stay home if you are ill

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Cough into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow

Avoid touching your face

Clean then sanitize surfaces (e.g. table tops, door knobs and cell phones)