Jamaica gets 6,000 PCR tests to help identify COVID-19 variants

Jamaica's fight against the coronavirus pandemic received a boost in the form of 6,000 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests to identify COVID-19 variants.

The medical testing supplies were procured by the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization as it ramps up support in the region to identify, isolate and understand the circulation of new strains of the virus.

PCR testing is a cornerstone in the identification of COVID-19 in patients.

The introduction of PCR tests for variants of concern of COVID-19 will allow detection of known international variants circulating in other countries, enabling local authorities to make informed decisions to protect the public. 

“Jamaica is among the first countries in the Caribbean to receive the PCR test for VoC. While much has been done to support the vaccination and the testing of citizens, PCR tests for VoC will serve as needle-movers in the assessment of international strains of the virus and will support the local response to COVID-19,” Dr Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, PAHO/WHO Representative in Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, said in a media release.  

Since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Jamaica, up to June 3, the country has recorded 48,821 confirmed cases and 960 deaths.

The Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization has been critical in supporting countries across the region in their emergency response, including Jamaica.

Dr Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, noted the impact of the medical testing supplies on Jamaica's COVID-19 testing strategy.

“These PCR tests for VoC mean that we will no longer need to send all positive tests for identification abroad but can be more efficient by only sending the positive tests for variants of concern. The benefits of reduced cost and lead-time for the assessment of VoC will strengthen our national response,” said Tufton.

The provision of the PCR test supplies is part of the PAHO/WHO end-to-end support that empowers countries to independently screen positive variants and access genetic sequencing testing at World Health Organization collaboration centres, as part of PAHO COVID-19 Genomic Surveillance Regional Network.

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