The highly infectious Omicron variant is now present in Trinidad and Tobago after being detected in a Trinidadian woman who travelled from New York to Panama and then to Trinidad knowing fully well she was Covid-19 positive. Photo: Internet Source

If charged and found guilty, the woman, who a medical official with knowledge of the situation, said was symptomatic and “sick like a dog” in New York, faces a fine of $350,000 and six months imprisonment upon summary conviction.

COPA Airlines may also be liable for this critical slip-up as the airline was supposed to check that passengers have supporting documents to enter the destination country and therefore a negative PCR test should have been presented before the woman was allowed to board the plane to Trinidad.

Panama does not require a negative PCR test for entry.

According to COPA Airlines’ website, fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from presenting a negative Covid-19 test for entry as long as they can provide physical or digital proof of a complete Covid-19 vaccination certificate showing they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival.

The woman is fully vaccinated.

For travel to Trinidad and Tobago, COPA Airline’s website states a Covid-19 negative PCR test is required for entry. It also states this is required to board the aircraft to Trinidad.

The Express understands the woman provided a negative antigen test to COPA in Panama but this is not what is required to enter T&T.

The Express tried to contact COPA Airlines yesterday but was unsuccessful as its PBX system was congested and proved difficult in getting to speak to a representative.