Omicron Wave Subsiding as Cases Continue to Decrease in USVI; Positivity Rate Falls to 9.45 Percent

Coronavirus Published On January 24, 2022 06:34 AM Ernice Gilbert | January 24, 2022 06:34:12 AM Download PDF 1 By GETTY IMAGES The Omicron wave of Covid-19 that affected the U.S. Virgin Islands earlier this month when active cases neared 4,000, has been subsiding in recent weeks, with cases dropping to 1,162 territory-wide as of Saturday as residents continue to recover from the variant. Omicron has proven to be much weaker than Covid-19 strains before it, including Delta.

According to data provided by the V.I. Dept of Health, St. Croix accounted for 661 of total active infections, followed by St. Thomas with 414, and St. John with 87. The positivity rate fell to 9.45 percent from a high of 24.30 percent at the peak of the Omicron surge.

Government offices are expected to return to regular in-person operation beginning today, and all public schools for the first time since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, will be open for in-person learning starting on various dates throughout this week. See full schedule here.

Additionally, the restriction the Bryan administration placed on travel that requires both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours when traveling to the USVI, will expire at the end of January barring an extension from the Bryan administration.

Immunity From Prior Infection Gave Better Protection Than Vaccination During Delta Wave, CDC Says

A previous infection from Covid-19 provided better protection than vaccination against the virus during the Delta wave, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday, citing data showing those who received immunity through prior infection or vaccination fared way better compared to those who were unvaccinated.