Covid-19 variant ‘closely monitored’ as cases rise
A new variant of Covid-19 that is spreading across China and has been detected in America among other countries is being closely monitored by the Bermuda Government.
The Ministry of Health said the Office of the Chief Medical Officer was working with the UK Health Security Agency to make Covid-19 vaccines that were effective against NB 1.8.1 available to the island’s most vulnerable residents.
The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the OCMO is leading observation of the variant, part of the Omicron lineage, for Bermuda.
A health ministry spokesman said: “The ministry remains in close contact with key regional and international public health partners including the Pan American Health Organisation, the Caribbean Public Health Agency and the UK Health Security Agency.
“These collaborations are part of our ongoing public health surveillance and protection efforts.
“In response to the new variant, the OCMO is working with the UKHSA to make Covid-19 vaccines that are effective against NB 1.8.1 available to Bermuda's most vulnerable populations.
“Updates on vaccine availability and eligibility will be shared with the public as more information becomes available.”
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said her ministry remained committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all residents.
She added: “While the emergence of new variants is expected, our team is actively monitoring developments and taking proactive steps to ensure Bermuda is prepared.
“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and to continue following the guidance that helps keep our community safe.
“The Ministry of Health will update the public as new information becomes available.”
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• When coughing or sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue. Dispose of tissues immediately and clean hands
• If you develop symptoms or test positive for Covid-19, self-isolate until fully recovered. Do not attend work or school
• Get vaccinated when eligible and follow local vaccination guidance
* Information provided by the World Health Organisation, 2025
The World Health Organisation has classified NB 1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring with “increasing proportions globally”.
The WHO said: “Approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.
“Despite a concurrent increase in cases and [hospital admissions] in some countries where NB 1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.”
The WHO reports that as of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7 per cent of global reported Covid-19 cases.
NB 1.8.1 is one of six VUMs tracked by the WHO and was designated as a VUM on May 23.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported cases in the US including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, Washington and Rhode Island.
As only a few cases have been detected in America, the variant is not yet registered on the CDC's Covid-19 data tracking site.
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
