St Vincent and the Grenadines has now added the gamma variant to the list of COVID-19 variants recorded on island.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment says it was informed by CARPHA on September 12 of the COVID-19 sequencing results of a positive sample collected from a patient in St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 14.
The sample was received at the CARPHA lab on August 20 and sent to the COVID19 IMPACT Project lab on August 24.
The COVID19 IMPACT project lab reported on September 11, to CARPHA that the Gamma variant of concern (VOC) – P.1 was detected in one sample. The sample was from a Vincentian resident who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 while seeking care on August 14.
This adult has not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Contact tracing of this Vincentian resident detected no other COVID-19 positive cases. This case was isolated and has since tested negative for COVID-19.
Only yesterday, SVG also reported its first local delta case.
Meanwhile the ministry says 41 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from 311 samples processed on September 10, resulting in a positivity rate of 13.2 per cent. No new recoveries were noted over the reporting period.
One hundred and fifty-two cases are currently active and 12 persons with COVID-19 have died to date.
Since March last year, 2,487 cases of COVID-19 and 2,323 recoveries have been recorded in St Vincent and The Grenadines.
The Ministry of Health says 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 and severe COVID-19 disease, strict enforcement and compliance with all protocols and recommendations by everyone is strongly recommended.
Yes It notes 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.