A local case of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus was among two cases announced by the Ministry of Health on Saturday from among samples collected on Aug. 14.
The ministry said that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in Trinidad, informed, on Friday, of the COVID-19 sequencing results of positive samples collected from patients in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Aug. 14.
The ministry said:
“The COVID-19 IMPACT project lab reported on September 10, 2021, to CARPHA that the Delta variant of concern (VOC) – B.1.617.2 was detected in two samples.
“One of the two samples determined to be the Delta variant, was a follow up test of a traveler previously identified as having said variant after entry screening at the AIA on August 12, 2021 and subsequent testing at the COVID 19 IMPACT Project lab.
“The other sample was from a Vincentian resident who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on exit screening on August 14, 2021. This adult had already received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Contact tracing of this Vincentian resident detected no other COVID-19 positive cases. Both persons were isolated and have since tested negative for COVID-19.”
Meanwhile, SVG, on Saturday, announced 25 new cases of COVID-19 from 396 samples processed on Thursday, resulting in a positivity rate of 6.3%.
This follows the announcement of 30 new cases from 322 samples processed on Wednesday, resulting in a positivity rate of 9.3%.
Two new recoveries were noted over the reporting period on Saturday, and 111 cases are currently active.
Twelve people with COVID-19 have died, 2,446 cases of COVID-19 and 2,323 recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020.
The ministry said:
“In view of the confirmed presence of the Delta and Mu variants in the community and the significant increase in the number of new infections, transmission and severe COVID-19 disease, strict enforcement and compliance with all protocols and recommendations by everyone is strongly recommended.
“The correct and consistent use of masks, avoidance of crowds, physical distancing, proper hand sanitizing and immunization with available vaccines have all been proven to significantly reduce the risk of being infected, getting sick and or dying from the COVID-19 virus.”
I am finding it strange that as soon as any new variant of “Covid-19” is mentioned from anywhere in the world, we hear an announcement that the Department of Health has found that variant in Saint Vincent. I now heard we have the “Mu” and the “Gamma” too! (have not yet heard of the “Gamma”) Very strange! Should we expect a lockdown from that? Mass vaccination? Or both?