Cases of the omicron BA.4 sub-variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been found on the US Virgin Islands and officials have warned islanders not to let their guard down.
The Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) confirmed cases of BA.4 on June 30 and preliminary samples have indicated that BA.5 could also be circulating in the community.
VIDOH said BA.4 and BA.5 are now the dominant strains in the United States, making up over 52 per cent of infections.
“We might see breakthrough infections meaning that if you are vaccinated you may still become infected, but vaccinations continue to be the best defense against severe illness or death,” VIDOH said in its statement.
At a media conference, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion warned islanders to be vigilant as the sub-variants could become the dominant strains on the USVI.
