The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment was informed by CARPHA on  September 10, 2021, of the COVID-19 sequencing results of positive samples collected from patients in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on August 14, 2021. These samples were received at  the CARPHA lab on August 19, 2021 and sent to the COVID19 IMPACT Project lab on August  20, 2021. The COVID19 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 (1) 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.  

Twenty-five (25) new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from three hundred and ninety-six (396) samples processed on Thursday September 9th, 2021, resulting in a positivity rate of 6.3%. 

Two (2) new recoveries were noted over the reporting period. One hundred and eleven (111) cases  are currently active and twelve (12) persons with COVID-19 have died. Two thousand four  hundred and forty-six (2446) cases of COVID-19 and two thousand, three hundred and twenty three (2323) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and The Grenadines since March 2020. 

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.