Montserrat’s Ministry of Health and Social Services received confirmation that the highly infectious omicron and delta variants of coronavirus (COVID-19) are circulating in the community. Photo: Internet Source

The island is currently experiencing a surge of infections and that forced authorities to send samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) lab in Trinidad for genomic sequencing.

The samples were made up of both imported and locally contracted infections.

Ministry officials are unable to say which variant is the dominant strain. According to the Pan American Health Organisation, omicron has been found in at least 42 countries and territories in the region.

“In light of this latest update, the Ministry of Health is repeating the need for continued caution. All residents should wear face coverings in public spaces, preferable high filtration masks such as surgical masks or kn95. Additionally, persons should continue to social distance and practice frequent hand sanitization. It is also imperative that persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms, self-isolate and seek medical attention by calling 496-7437 or 493-4755,” the ministry said in a statement.