30th May 2025, Grand Cayman – Public Health, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability, issued a press release today to inform the public that they are monitoring a new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1. This follows the World Health Organization (WHO) designating it as a variant under monitoring on Friday, 23 May 2025.
A key message from the release came from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Gent, who stated:
“The most important message to get out to our community is that, at this time, the Ministry is not concerned about the impact of this variant.”
For more details, view their full press release here or below.
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Local Health Officials Monitoring New Covid Variant
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability
Grand Cayman, 30 May 2025 – The Ministry of Health, Environment & Sustainability, along with partners at the Public Health Department, would like to inform the public that they are monitoring the new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1. Increased attention has been given to the new variant over the past week since the World Health Organisation (WHO) designated it a variant under monitoring on May 23.
“The most important message to get out to our community is that, at this time, the Ministry is not concerned about the impact of this variant,” explains Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nick Gent.
Given the transient nature of our community, it is highly likely that this variant will arrive in Cayman. However, there are no reports that illness caused by this new variant is more severe than other strains. I also note that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.
Dr. Nick Gent, Chief Medical Officer
The Cayman Islands is also set to benefit from substantial levels of hybrid immunity, due to the high uptake in vaccination and boosters and prior COVID infection, which will help to provide protection against severe disease.
“The HSA remains both vigilant and prepared to deal with the management of illness caused by COVID,” adds Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez.
The Public Health Department is working with the Ministry to secure the now seasonal COVID-19 vaccines and we will be informing the public when those become available via our vaccination clinics.
Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health
The public is reminded that practicing good hygiene, such as regularly washing hands, covering mouth and nose when ill or when caring for someone who is ill, and staying up to date with seasonal COVID vaccinations remains the best way to protect themselves from the virus.
For more information, or to access the vaccination schedule, log on to www.hsa.ky/public-health or contact the Public Health Department on 244-2621 or 244-2889.
ENDS
