Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald E. Georges said that sequencing of genetic typing on VI samples collected between September 1 - 27, 2021, identified more of the Mu variant of interest and the Delta variant of concern.

He said of the samples tested by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), six (6) samples were positive for B.1.621.1 also known as the Mu variant and classified by World Health Organization (WHO) as a Variant of Interest, and 7 were cases of the Delta variant (Ay.4, Ay.34, and B.1.617.2) classified by WHO as a Variant of Concern.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has been testing VI's samples for the various variants.

Remain Vigilant - Dr Ronald E. Georges

According to Dr Georges, “As a community we have to remain vigilant and use the entire COVID-19 arsenal which includes cleaning and disinfecting frequently used areas, sanitizing and washing hands frequently, wearing masks, social distancing, adhering to quarantine orders, and getting vaccinated.”

Dr. Georges further said 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.

He also warned the community to not allow themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security by thinking that this threat of COVID-19 is over, “because it is not.”