PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML) has remained open and continues to receive and test samples for suspected COVID-19 and variant identification via genome sequencing for its Member States, the organization said in a press release on Wednesday.
CARPHA executive director, Dr Joy St John stated: “As the regional reference laboratory, and especially during this critical phase of the pandemic, where several variants, have been detected in the region, our CARPHA laboratory has not closed its doors and remains open. CARPHA has reported the detection of Omicron to Member States during the holiday period. Our dedicated staff continue to provide technical support, advice and the highest quality of service to help inform decision-makers in its Member States”.
The CMML has also consistently provided weekly updates on its COVID-19 laboratory response. On Tuesday, December 28 2021, CARPHA shared – CARPHA COVID-19 Dashboard 66 – for Epidemiological Week #51, which reflects testing carried out by CARPHA during the period Sunday 19 – Saturday December 25, 2021.
More information on CARPHA’s Response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here.