This was confirmed by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, in a national address on Wednesday, June 4.

Dr. Belmar-George noted that, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 91,583 cases of COVID-19 were reported in 91 countries between April 14 and May 11, 2025 which represents a threefold increase during the period. She revealed that the new variant, NB181, is being observed across multiple countries, including in the Caribbean.

“Although relatively new, with limited information, current data indicates that NB181 does not cause more severe illness than the present circulating variants. The global and Caribbean regional public health risk at this time is assessed to be low,” she said.

However, Dr. Belmar-George warned that NB181 appears to be more transmissible than previous strains. “Early information shows that NB181 exhibits increased transmissibility… indicating that it spreads more easily from person to person,” she said.

With this in mind, the Ministry of Health is urging the public to return to basic health safety protocols, especially for those experiencing flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness.

“The public is advised to wash hands frequently or use hand sanitisers, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and not attend social activities if feeling unwell,” Dr. Belmar-George stated.

She also encouraged individuals to visit a health care provider for proper management and to consider wearing a mask in public, particularly if showing symptoms.

The CMO concluded her address by reminding Saint Lucians to maintain general healthy habits, which can reduce the impact of viral illness.