The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has been linked to the current coronavirus spike in the British Virgin Islands, with cases now totaling 143.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges on Friday December 24.
He said of the positive samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago, 24 returned conclusive with the Delta Variant.
“As of today, 24th December 2021 (Christmas Eve) there are 143 active cases with the majority of these 133 residing on Tortola and the balance residing on Virgin Gorda. Samples from sick persons positive for COVID 19 and who meet eligibility criteria for testing are sent for genetic typing from both the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital Laboratory and the Medicure Laboratory,” he said.
“The local laboratory at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital has also been using special test kits designed to identify the Delta variant and is conducting evaluations of the kits efficacy based on the results from CARPHA. Over the last three weeks 24 samples sent to CARPHA for genetic typing have returned the Delta variant with one case being identified as Delta plus. The current spike in cases is therefore due to the Delta variant,” he added.
Omicron variant not yet detected but residents warned to be vigilant
The Acting CMO confirmed that the Omicron variant of the virus has not yet been detected in the BVI but warned residents to remain vigilant by adhering to the COVID-19 protocols as the variant has already made its way to the region.
He said, “The Omicron variant continues to replace Delta as the dominant strain in various jurisdictions and is now found in 89 countries worldwide. While it has not yet been identified in the Virgin Islands it has been identified in the Caribbean region.”
If symptomatic organize a PCR test
Dr. Georges urged persons exhibiting any of the COVID-19 related symptoms to self-isolate and organize a COVID-19 test to determine whether they may be infected with the virus.
“If you think you have contracted COVID or are exhibiting the symptoms of COVID please immediately self-isolate and seek to be tested by either a PCR or rapid COVID test. You can access PCR testing at the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital Tent by registering at https://althea.bvi.care and by calling the Medical Hotline at 852 7650 if you have any symptoms of COVID. Alternatively, private medical establishments also provide PCR testing, and rapid antigen type tests. The PCR test remains the Gold Standard for diagnosis,” he stated.
Positive persons must quarantine between 10-20 days
Dr. Georges also said that all persons testing positive for the virus will be quarantined between 10 to 20 days, depending on their health status.
“Persons found to be positive will be given a quarantine order and required to isolate for a period of 10 days minimum and must be symptoms free for at least 24 hours before end of isolation in keeping with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and United Kingdom National Health Service guidelines. However, persons who are immunocompromised or have severe disease requiring hospitalization may be isolated for longer periods up to 20 days,” Dr. Georges explained.