JAMAICA IS experiencing a fifth wave of Covid-19, according to the Health and Wellness Minister.

Dr Christopher Tufton made the revelation at a Covid-19 press briefing on May 18.

The minister stated that the Omicron BA2 variant is likely to be driving the new wave of infections across the island.

“Upon reviewing the epidemiology data, we can confirm that Jamaica is currently experiencing the fifth wave of COVID-19. Based on a review of the epidemiological curves for confirmed cases and reproductive rates to identify the inflection point for increased cases. The inflection point for the fifth wave occurred around April 20,” the minister explained.

According to the latest data at john Hopkins University, Jamaica recorded 147 new Covid infections yesterday.

Dr Tufton urged the public not to panic and encouraged Jamaicans to get vaccinated against the virus.

“All persons 12 years and older should visit any of the over 100 vaccination centres to be vaccinated if they have not already done so,” he said.

Jamaica has recorded 3,013 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Covid cases across the Caribbean continue to remain a cause for concern.

Yesterday, Trinidad and Tobago recorded 434 new cases and Grenada recorded 142 new confirmed cases.

In Barbados there were 403 new infections recorded on May 18.

The number of deaths in Barbados from COVID-19 has reached 435 people, following the passing of a 76-year-old man on May 17.

Under the National Vaccination Programme, Barbados has vaccinated 66.7% of the population eligible for vaccination.