The Ministry of Health and Wellness has indicated that the highly transmissible variants of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 have been detected on the island.

This disclosure was made this afternoon after 87 samples dated from May 13 to July 11 were tested and eight were BA.5 while the remaining five were BA.4.

Meanwhile National Epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster Kerr cautioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the subvariants as the dominant strains globally and are highly transmissible.

Dr Webster Kerr also noted that with the likelihood of an increase in COVID-19 cases, the public is being advised to adhere to the stipulated protocols including wearing of masks, hand washing, physical distancing and staying home once the symptoms of a cold or flu are present.

The Ministry also stated that all persons 12 years and older should visit the vaccination centers if they have not yet been inoculated.

Persons who are also eligible for boosters are also being encouraged to take the booster dose as an added layer of protection against the virus.