Dr Georges made the comment during a Friday, January 7, 2022, COVID-19 update on the situation in the VI where he said that authorities suspected the Omicron variant was responsible for the current spike in cases based on the characteristics of the latest round of infections.

“Based on that picture, a milder profile, a much quicker increase it was obvious that we were dealing with something different,” Dr Georges said while comparing the spike in cases of mid-2021 to late 2021 into 2022.

He said case samples that were tested from about December 18, 2021, showed about 50% as Omicron variant as compared to the Delta Variant.

“And this is how Omicron functions, it comes in and it slowly outcompetes all other variants to become the dominant variant, so by now given the numbers and the rapid increase we can safely guestimate that omicron is the dormant variant of COVID in the BVI,” he said.

Persons were therefore encouraged to continue following local public health guidelines and to get vaccinated including, taking booster shots to protect against the virus.

Large increases in cases to come - Dr Georges

He said, as a result, the VI can expect a large increase in cases where the doubling time for cases in about 2-3 days.

“Omicron is much more efficient at spreading from persons to persons and the increases in numbers are much more drastic than the other variants that have been in circulation.”

Dr. Geroges said however, the cases will remind mild for a short period with fast recoveries, “The Challenge is, even though it is mild, the sheer number that is created can lead to significant hospitalizations,” he also warned.

Persons were therefore encouraged to continue following local public health guidelines and to get vaccinated including, taking boosters to protect against the virus.