O-30 The Caribbean Public Health Agency’s Laboratory response to COVID-19 and its impact on tourism in the Caribbean Region.
Author(s):
M Hamilton, S Nathaniel, N Winter, C Rampersad, R Singh
Type Of Study:
- Analytical Study
- Quantitative
Year of Presentation:
2023
Objective: To provide laboratory surveillance data on COVID-19 variants in circulation in the CARPHA Member States (CMS) to facilitate identification and mitigation of the risks to their health status, tourism product and economies.
Methods: 153,443 suspected COVID-19 samples referred to CARPHA December 2020- December 2022 were tested. Whole-genome Next Generation Sequencing was conducted on positive samples meeting the sequencing criteria and the presence of variants of concern (VOC), variants of interest (VOI) and variants being monitored (VBM) was determined. Results were communicated promptly to the CMS to inform public health decision-making
Results: 42,889 (27.95%) samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with 35,900 (23.4%) corresponding to new cases. Of 4,740 samples which met the gene sequencing criteria, VOC or VOI were identified in 3,686 (77.8%). 132 (2.8%) were deemed VBM as classified by WHO. Results show that between December 2020-December 2022, the major variants in circulation globally were in circulation in the Caribbean. Additionally, during relaxation of COVID19 restrictions and the resumption of wide-scale foreign travel in 2022, Omicron sub-lineages were the major variants in circulation in the CMS.
Conclusion: Determination of SARS-CoV-2 variants in circulation can be utilized to determine the potential health risk for the populations of the CMS. Laboratory surveillance data can be utilized the inform public health decision-making which not only mitigates these risks but impacts positively on the tourism product and economies of the Member States. The integrated surveillance system of CARPHA is therefore a valuable tool for the advancement of the health and economic status of its Member States.