The contagious delta variant was detected in a fully vaccinated traveller who arrived in St Vincent from the United Kingdom on July 21.

The tourist presented a negative PCR test upon arrival at the Argyle International Airport

However, a subsequent test by the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital indicated that the tourist was COVID-19 positive.

A sample from the traveller was among those sent to CARPHA for genome sequencing, where it was subsequently confirmed to be B16172, the delta variant of the virus.

According to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, following the test results the traveller was moved from hotel quarantine to an approved isolation accommodation.

The ministry further said that the traveller remained asymptomatic throughout the period of isolation and did not require hospital care.