Residents of the Virgin Islands are asked to remain vigilant and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols as the Mu and Delta Variants continue to circulate in the Territory.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges said that genetic typing on samples collected between September 1 and 27 which met the criteria for sequencing by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) identified six (6) samples positive for B.1.621.1 also known as the Mu variant and classified by World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Variant of Interest, and 7 cases of the Delta variant (Ay.4, Ay.34, and B.1.617.2) classified by WHO as a Variant of Concern.

According to Dr. Georges, the Mu and Delta variants continue to be identified among samples and therefore should be considered to be the current COVID variants circulating in the Territory.

Dr. Georges said, “As a community we have to remain vigilant and use the entire COVID-19 arsenal which includes cleaning and disinfecting frequently used areas, sanitising and washing hands frequently, wearing masks, social distancing, adhering to quarantine orders and getting vaccinated.  Do not be lulled into a false sense of security by thinking that this threat is over, because it is not.”

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