New COVID variant not cause for concern

On Tuesday, 19 December, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified the JN.1 strain of COVID-19 a variant of interest. JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron.

“The Ministry of Health & Wellness continues to monitor the developments relating to COVID-19 and all respiratory illnesses that are common for this time of year,” explains Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Gent. “However, we note that when it comes to JN.1 there is nothing to be particularly worried about at this stage, and our aim is to inform the public and remind them to continue to adhere to the best practices that we learned during the height of pandemic,” Dr Gent adds.

Along with being monitored due to its parent lineage of BA.2.86- another COVID-19 variant of interest- JN.1 is being given special attention due to the increasing transmission compared to other strains.

“JN.1 has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to BA.2.86, it has been identified in 41 countries so far, and is becoming one of the most commonly detected variant in the United States,” explains National Epidemiologist, Rachel Corbett. “There is no evidence that this strain results in more severe disease. Current vaccines are expected to be effective against JN.1 and the public health risk is considered low,” she adds.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness expects that respiratory illnesses will continue increase over the course of the holiday season and in January due to travel, the influx of arrivals on island, and an increase in the number and size of gatherings.

As such, residents are reminded to practice respiratory hygiene, including but not limited to:

Covering mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing

Washing and/or sanitising hands before/after touching the mouth, nose or eyes

Using masks when appropriate

Using tissues and disposing of them properly

All persons who are suffering from a respiratory infection, whether caused by COVID-19, influenza or the common cold, are advised to:

Remain at home if symptomatic (febrile (having or showing symptoms of fever), coughing, running nose, muscle aches, chills)

Return to work after being symptom free for a minimum of 24 hours (if febrile, 24 hours from when the fever breaks)

Practice respiratory hygiene

Residents and visitors needing additional guidance are encouraged to contact the HSA’s general information line 1-800-534-8600, 947-3077, or email info@hsa.ky.