COVID-19 “XBB Variant” Information Not Issued by Ministry of Health & Wellness

The Ministry of Health & Wellness would like to advise the community that information relating to the COVID-19 “XBB Variant” that has been circulating widely via What’s App and other social media sites was not issued by the Ministry of Health & Wellness.

“The Omicron XBB 1.5 variant was identified and studied by a group of experts from the World Health Organisation back in October of this year (2022),” explains 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 concluded.

Dr Gent would like to encourage the community to tune into official channels in an effort to ensure access to accurate and credible information and updates.