SVG confirms Omicron variant in vaccinated traveller from US

The Omicron COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC) – B.1.1.529 — has been detected in one sample in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the National Emergency Management Organisation said today (Monday).

This fully vaccinated adult is a traveler from the United States who had a negative COVID19 test result and was subjected to further testing on arrival. 

“This person has been isolated,” NEMO said in a press release.

NEMO said that the Ministry of Health was informed today by CARPHA of the COVID-19 sequencing results of positive samples collected from patients in SVG on Dec. 18, received at the CARPHA lab on Dec. 24  and sent to the COVID19 IMPACT Project lab that same day.

“Sequencing results of samples sent to the COVID19 IMPACT Project lab for December 2021 suggests that the Delta variant is now the dominant Variant of Concern (VOC) in SVG, displacing the Lambda variant,” NEMO said. 

Meanwhile, NEMO said in a separate statement on Monday that three new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from 74 samples collected on Dec. 24, resulting in a positivity of 4.1%. Two  new rapid antigen positive results were reported from flu clinics on Dec. 24.

There were no patients admitted for COVID-19 at the Argyle Isolation Facility and 14 patients were admitted to the COVID-19 ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, two of whom are vaccinated and the other 12 unvaccinated. 

There were no COVID-19 deaths recorded over the reporting period. 

Nineteen  recoveries were noted leaving 558 cases active in the country.

SVG has recorded 81 COVID-19 deaths since March 2020 from among 5,843 cases. 

NEMO said:

“In view of the confirmed presence of the Delta, Mu and Gamma variants in the community and the significant increase in the number of new infections, transmission, severe COVID-19 disease and deaths, 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 sanitising and immunisation 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.”