The Ministry of Health and Social Development has confirmed that no variants of concern or variants of interest were identified in the results of 37 COVID-19 samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for genetic typing.

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges said, “The variant identified is predominantly found in the United States of America.”  He further noted that additional samples were sent this week and samples will continue to be sent for genetic typing and verification by CARPHA on an ongoing basis as part of both quality control and to determine if any new variants of concern are circulating in the Territory.

According to Dr. Georges, the ministry will continue to ensure that there is ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the current outbreak.  “While the current outbreak at this time does not appear to be associated with the Delta variant, we must still remain vigilant.  The break down in compliance with public health measures and general level of complacency prior to the outbreak no doubt contributed to the large expansion of cases that was observed,” Dr. Georges stated.  

He further added that the public should take personal responsibility to adhere to public health measures, stay at home orders and quarantine guidelines. “Positive cases should adhere to the full quarantine requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19.  All cases should ensure that they follow the isolation guidelines and persons should take every opportunity to get vaccinated,” Dr. Georges said. 

Persons who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 are advised to wait 28 days from after a positive test result before getting vaccinated.

Please stay healthy and safe! 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.