The Minister’s announcements came during a Friday, January 7, 2022, COVID-19 update on the situation in the VI following a cabinet meeting today.

Hon Malone revealed the Omicron variant was found in samples sent at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for sequencing with some 12 of 25 total samples returning with the presence of the Omicron variant, as active infections in the VI has surged to 1,049 as of today, January 7, 2022.

"We now have the presence of Delta, we have the presence of Omicron, we are sending additional samples down but with the fast-spreading nature of this virus, we were suspecting that Omicron was here we now have official verification that it is in our midst," he said.

Meanwhile, Hon Malone revealed that the latest surge in infections has had a significant impact on local healthcare workers with 109 infections.

Cases 'too high' - Hon Malone

Hon Malone added that from December 1, 2021, to today, the VI has seen 1,009 new cases in such a short period which he called ‘too high’ and 'not good' as Cabinet will now move to have another meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2021, to discuss more mitigating measures.

He said restrictions have also been announced relating to the number of persons who will be allowed to gather which would now be limited to 1 person for every 9 square feet up to 100 total persons.

Meanwhile, Hon Malone revealed that the latest surge in infections has had a significant impact on local healthcare workers.

He said 109 workers are now infected and further revealed that the contact tracing department of the Health Ministry has been reduced to just two workers following COVID-19 infections in the department.