The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) on Thursday (September 9) confirmed that the ‘Mu’ COVID-19 variant has been detected in Jamaica.
According to Dr. Christopher Tufton, the new variant was detected in some 26 of 90 samples tested and received today.
Tufton also said that the country is expected to receive at least one genome sequencing machine within weeks.
The genome machine will enable the country to carry out tests for variant strains locally rather than having to send samples to locations overseas.
The confirmation of the ‘Mu’ variant in the country came on the heels of an uptick in COVID-19 cases.
Pfizer inoculation suspended
In addition, Tufton says that as of Friday (September 10) the MOHW will be suspending the administration the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
The ministry shared that this is just a precautionary measure to ensure that all first-dosers are guaranteed a second dose based on its inventory.
