“Clusters of cases have been associated with schools, daycares, private and government offices, large and small companies, social gatherings, and events,” he said in a statement released yesterday, December 24, 2021.

Premier & Deputy tests positive

So far, both Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) have both tested positive for the virus.

Dr Georges added, “While the main tools of our control and suppression measures in the past have been curfews, business restrictions and lockdowns, Government policy has moved away from these drastic measures as vaccination rates have increased to just over 60 percent.”

The CMO underscored that in the VI, however, the Delta variant appears to be outcompeting Mu for dominance, as has occurred in other jurisdictions.

He said current vaccine options offer good protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death associated with Delta infection and residents should therefore avail themselves of opportunities to be either vaccinated or receive their booster dose.

The CMO underscored that in the VI, the Delta variant at appears to be outcompeting Mu in the as has occurred in other jurisdictions.

VI cognisant of Omicron varient

“We have to be cognisant of the appearance of the Omicron variant in many countries around the world and its inevitable entrance into the Virgin Islands.”

Dr Georges indicated that the Omicron variant does appear to cause milder disease and vaccines do appear to offer protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

He reminded that the Fahie Government through the support of the UK Government has made vaccination and now boosters available in the Territory and added that given the increased COVID activity in the Territory, all residents are asked to continue to be vigilant and abide by the established public health measures, such as:

*  Limit your exposure to persons outside of your household

*  Adhere to the public health protocols

*  Do wear your mask at all times when within 6 feet of persons

*  Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizers

*  Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from persons outside your household

*  If you are sick isolate and get tested as soon as possible

*  If you are positive stay away from others for at least 10 full days and abide by the terms of your quarantine order

*  If your condition worsens do seek medical attention early.

*  Get vaccinated with either your first or second dose and if you are three months after your last dose and are eligible get your booster