The Ministry of Health and Social Development has confirmed that one COVID-19 sample tested positive for the Delta variant.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges reported that out of eight Covid-19 samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for genetic typing on August 4, one sample tested positive for the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) while all other samples identified no variants of concern or variants of interest.

According to Dr. Georges, the identified case had no travel history and the household included two other positive contacts, one of whom met criteria for sequencing and tested negative for the Delta variant.  “These cases and contacts were all quarantined and cleared in accordance with established protocols,” he said.

Dr. Georges stated that the community should continue to take personal responsibility and adhere to public health measures and quarantine guidelines to limit the spread of Covid-19.  He said all positive cases should ensure that they follow the isolation guidelines and continue to take every opportunity to get vaccinated.”

Please stay healthy and safe! Together we will get through this together.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.