Omicron Identified as Dominant Strain of COVID-19 in Circulation on Montserrat

It has been confirmed that Omicron was the variant that caused the recent spike in COVID-19 case on Montserrat.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services reports that the Omicron sub-variant BA .2, 2.3 and BA .5 were the dominant strains identified.

Additionally, the Health Ministry says that as of noon Wednesday, June 8, there were 40 active cases. Five were locally transmitted and 2 were imported.

100 persons are currently in quarantine.

The public is reminded that COVID-19 can be severe and lead to long lasting complications or death.

Residents are therefore encouraged to take all measures to protect themselves from the virus by practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings in public spaces, adhering to quarantine and isolation protocols, and vaccinating against this potentially deadly virus.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health is urging persons infected with the virus to seek medical attention at the earliest signs of severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and chest pains; by contacting the Flu-Hotline at 496-7437 or 493-4755.

It is also encouraging residents who are unvaccinated to register to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.