Delta COVID -19 Variant Detected In St. Vincent

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment was informed this morning by CARPHA of the COVID-19 sequencing results of samples received at CARPHA on July 27th, 2021. One sample detected a variant of concern (VOC) – B.1.617.2 – Delta variant.

This sample was collected during entry screening at the AIA from a fully vaccinated traveler who arrived from England with a negative PCR result on July 21, 2021. The Molecular Lab Unit (MLU) of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment reported on July 22, 2021 that the traveler had tested positive. The adult then transitioned from 48 hours hotel quarantine to approved isolation accommodation, and has since tested negative for COVID-19.

The adult remained asymptomatic throughout this period of isolation and never required admission for care.

Routine contact tracing detected two other COVID-19 positive cases associated with this traveler. These positive cases are unvaccinated travelers to SVG and displayed symptoms of COVID-19. One of these two persons has since tested negative for COVID-19. They all remain in strict isolation.