Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has not yet detected any cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, according to the Ministry of Public Health. This variant, a sublineage of omicron, is under observation by the World Health Organization (WHO). Deputy Minister Eladio Pérez stated that while no cases have been confirmed, active epidemiological surveillance is ongoing to detect any emergence of the strain.
Pérez urged the public to stay calm and follow established health protocols at entry points and hospitals. He reassured that the country has the necessary experience, diagnostic tools, and protocols to manage the disease effectively, regardless of the variant. High-risk individuals are advised to maintain preventive measures like mask-wearing in crowded or enclosed spaces and frequent handwashing.
Though the NB.1.8.1 variant may be more contagious, it is not believed to cause more severe illness. Symptoms are expected to be similar to previous variants. Testing continues nationwide, with a permanent COVID-19 testing center operating weekdays behind the Ministry of Health headquarters in Inaguja, offering free antigen and PCR tests.