New COVID variant does not present increased threat, says CMO

| 03/01/2023 | 15 Comments

(CNS): The Ministry of Health and Wellness is not the source of information circulating widely on social media about the COVID-19 XBB variant, according to a release from the ministry. Contrary to misinformation, the ministry stressed that this latest variant of the coronavirus, which is still infecting dozens of residents here in Cayman, has not been found to be any more virulent than other strains.

“The Omicron XBB variant was identified and studied by a group of experts from the World Health Organisation back in October of this year,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Gent.  “There is no evidence that it is more deadly or causes more severe illness as has been implied. In fact, the XBB variant was discounted months ago and is not considered to be a new or significant threat.”

Dr Gent urged people to “tune into official channels” for accurate and credible information and updates.

However, the ministry released very little information in the latest Spotlight report about the status of the virus in Cayman in November, stating only that there had been a slight increase in hospitalisations but no deaths. One COVID-positive patient died in early December.

Since October, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified another variant, XBB.1.5, which it said accounted for around 41% of new infections in December across the United State but as much as 75% of new cases in the Northeast. A new study from Columbia University indicated that this latest sub-strain might be able to evade the vaccine and boosters as well as natural immunity from previous infections.


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Category: Health, Medical Health

Comments (15)

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Dr. Gent has to clear everything with the Minister of Health before he can say anything., i.e. The Minister of Health who knows diddilysquat about anything healthwise. ( or otherwise) so yeah, other credible health organizations worldwide will report on viruses etc., We are probably the only place on God’s green earth that has ministers of portfolios who doesn’t even have the relevant O level pass in the relevant subject. Yes, we need to be careful and do not spread false information but those of us who can read and understand the spoken and written word need to do our own research for our own protection. Keep safe!

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  2. Anonymous says:

    Dr Gent urged people to “tune into official channels” for accurate and credible information and updates.

    The same channels that said the vaccine ‘stops’ the virus spread.
    The same channels that have now recommended that 18-35 year olds do not get it in Florida
    The same channels that locked us in with zero effect
    The same channels that took away income.

    No thanks

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  3. Anonymous says:

    Many new studies coming out from across the world that contradict the safe & effective mantra pushed by big pharma.

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    • Anonymous says:

      ‘big pharma’ is your big giveaway….i bet you use ‘mainstream media’ alot.
      anti-vax, anti-science fool….

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  4. Anonymous says:

    The MOH doesn’t exactly seem to be overly forthcoming with information. So as per Mr Gents suggestion there is this,

    https://www.bbc.com/news/health-64164306

  5. Anonymous says:

    noone cares anymore. move on

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  6. Anonymous says:

    said it before… no-one in cayman who is relatively healthy, under 70, who is vaxxed, will die from covid.

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    • Anonymous says:

      And you are still incorrect.

      Perhaps you should start a new saying “I’m going to be a trillionaire and live 5,000 years.”

      Let’s see how that works out for you.

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      • Anonymous says:

        facts prove me right and always will.
        please let me know how many in cayman has died under 0 who is healthy and vaxxed?

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  7. Anonymous says:

    covid presently is a mild cold virus. if you are worried or at risk, protect yourself. end of story

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  8. Anonymous says:

    I hope he’s prepared and willing to eat his words and the TP they’re scribbled on. LOL

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Well let me say this. Every person who sat on that grounded AA flight Monday, need to test themselves. I know at least 1 person who was on that flight tested positive this morning.

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  10. It’s basic maths says:

    But it is clearly more infectious, hence its rapid dominance. More infectious and as virulent is more of a threat than more virulent and less infectious.

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