Hazy Virgin Islands' skies due to Saharan dust. Photo: VINO

An expansive plume of dust from the Sahara traveled westward across the Atlantic Ocean on Saturday, June 20, 2020. The dust has reached the Caribbean and is expected to reach parts of the United States later this week. Photo: NOAA

A dusty Carrot Bay on June 22, 2020, due to Saharan dust. Photo: VINO

The usually picturesque Cane Garden Bay was hardly visible from Stoutt's Lookout on June 23, 2020, owing to Saharan dust. Photo: VINO

A hazy Road Town on June 22, 2020. Reduction in the air quality has significantly elevated the risks of health problems, especially to sensitive and vulnerable groups of people such as seniors, children, persons with heart disease and persons with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, according to the Environmental Health Division. Photo: VINO

The dust cloud, which has caused skies to become hazy, is expected to remain hovered over the Territory during this week and residents are being encouraged to wear face masks in public spaces.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr Lionel E. Michael, in a press release, said as a result of the dust the air quality index in the Territory has fluctuated to unhealthy levels due to the particulate matters associated with the dust.

He said the reduction in the air quality has significantly elevated the risks of health problems, especially to sensitive and vulnerable groups of people such as seniors, children, persons with heart disease and persons with respiratory illnesses such as asthma.

It is unusual that the dust is forecast to travel over the Caribbean region and eventually into the US with such high concentrations, researchers at the University of Reading said.

Premature death with certain conditions possible 

In the VI, the Public Health Division is warning that the dust cloud may also cause increased aggravation of heart or lung disease or premature death in persons with cardiopulmonary disease.

"Active adults, children and people with heart or respiratory diseases should limit time outdoors, or avoid any outdoor activity with prolonged exertion at this time. Windows and doors should be kept closed as much as possible and face masks worn to filter out particles." 

The Public Health division warned that persons with medical conditions who are experiencing difficulties breathing are asked to consult their physician.

The dust layer is so thick it remains visible on weather satellites with Astronauts in space reporting seeing the dust clouds from the international space station.