Dr Georges sounded the warning during a COVID-19 update on Friday, August 6, 2021, noting, “COVID is obviously not going away, this is 18 months that we've been at this thing,” he said.

“It's been a constant battle in terms of the measures and all the other things and COVID itself continues to mutate and develop new variants etcetera and we as well have to be ahead of that curve,” Dr Georges indicated.

Terming the last COVID-19 outbreak a wake-up call, Dr Georges called on Virgin Islanders to build on past experiences and knowledge regarding the last outbreak and not to repeat the mistakes of the past, rather, depend on vaccination and following the COVID-19 guidelines to stay safe.

Dr. Ronald E. Georges called on Virgin Islanders to build on past experiences and knowledge regarding the last outbreak and not to repeat the mistakes of the past, rather, depend on vaccination and following the COVID-19 guidelines to stay safe.

Persons were 'backsliding' during Emancipation weekend

He said over the emancipation weekend, he noted persons were "backsliding" and returning to mass gatherings and partying.

“We just want to again reiterate it, folks, that this is what got us where we are without Delta, with Delta it will be several times worse, so we really need to get on top of what we need to do,” Dr Georges said.

“It's imperative at this point in time for us all to take our personal responsibility. It can no longer be where we [Health Authorities] have to do everything… we really need persons to become vigilant and do what it is they need to do,” he said.

With COVID-19 infections in the territory lowering each day, Dr Georges said it is important for Virgin Islanders to recognise where they are and what must be done moving forward to protect against the virus.