 The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has received notification from the Caribbean Public Health Agency CAFA of five new cases of the Omicron variant in country. Health officials continue to manage the fifth wave of COVID-19 infection in country, with an average of 165 cases per day. Women account for 59% of the cases. 43 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded, 65% of which is male. The majority of deaths are COVID-19 related due to other associated chronic health conditions. Tourists account for 3.6% of the cases diagnosed for the past seven days, but 4.7% of the total cases during the fifth wave. Although the cases diagnosed are noted island-wide, the main areas affected are castries, grozily, B.A.4 and Babinu. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belma-George says all indications are that the Omicron variant is the dominant variant in country. They are all nationals, three female, two male, with ages ranging from 26 to 51 years. We continue sending samples for gene sequencing, but we can deduce that Omicron is the dominant variant in country at this time. Despite the presence of the Omicron variant, St. Usher continues to register improvements in the management of the disease. The daily infection rate for the past seven days is 59.6% per 100,000 population per day. This is a 39% reduction from last week, with a 44% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 1.9. We continue to note reductions in most of the public health indicators and the downward trend in the epidemiological curve. The cases of COVID-19 noted on a daily basis still has the capacity to cause an increase in hospitalizations, deaths, and affect the productivity in the workplace. We appeal to all organizations, public and private sector, to ensure the strengthening of all of the public health protocols. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belma George