The Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of Covid-19, in Jamaica.

It says during the latest gene sequencing performed at the University of the West Indies, eighty-seven samples were sequenced with sample dates from May 13 to July 11, and all were identified as the Omicron variant.

Of the 87 samples, 8 were BA.5, and 5 were BA.4 sub-variants.

The ministry has cautioned that “the Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 are highly transmissible and as a result, there may be an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases.”

The public is therefore encouraged to practice infection prevention and control measures.