On July 30 2021, the Ministry of Health received the results of genomic sequencing which was conducted through the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on samples from TCI.
These samples were shipped by the Nations Public Health Laboratory in the TCI from positive samples identified through local PCR testing. Sequencing was undertaken through local PCR testing. Sequencing was undertaken in order to identify if recent cases were caused by any of the variants identified internationally. Previously, the gamma and alpha COVID-19 variants were confirmed in the TCI.
An additional eight samples were sent for analysis from which four cases of the Delta variant were identified. This represents 50% of samples sent in this last batch testing positive for the Variant of Concern (VOC). All of the individuals completed quarantine and have recovered.