The Ministry of Health has confirmed 21 people have died as a result of COVID-19 in 2024 to date, with 12 people currently hospitalised for treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital and Couva Hospital and Multi-training Facility.
In an update on respiratory illnesses in the country yesterday, the Ministry of Health added that four people have died from influenza in T&T for 2024 to date, with 39,450 flu vaccines administered.
The MoH said Trinidad and Tobago received confirmation of local transmission of the JN.1 sub-variant category on January 18, 2024. The JN.1 sub-variant, a descendant of the Omicron variant, is now the dominant variant worldwide.
The ministry said it is pursuing the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines actively and will provide an update when they arrive in the country. Flu vaccines remain available at health centres across the country.
In addition, based on data, the ministry said they had not seen “any notable increase in severe respiratory illnesses within the public health system”.
The ministry added, “However, the public is advised that those suffering from respiratory illnesses of any kind should take the necessary precautions, especially in light of ongoing poor air quality due to the Saharan dust in the atmosphere. These persons are further encouraged to wear the appropriate masks (eg, surgical or N95 masks), as required, to reduce the risk of exacerbating existing respiratory illnesses.”
The ministry said people belonging to vulnerable groups are more prone to severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19 and/or influenza.
“Therefore, the elderly, pregnant women, immunocompromised persons and those with chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are advised to exercise greater caution at this time.”