GOVERNMENT OF  
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES 
 
VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 
 
 
ST. CROIX OFFICE  
 
 
3500 ESTATE RICHMOND  
CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I. 00820-4370  
                                                                                                 
CHARLES HARWOOD MEMORIAL COMPLEX 
 
TEL: (340)718-6551 * FAX: (340)718-1376        
 
 
 
             
 
ST.THOMAS OFFICE 
1303 HOSPITAL GROUND, SUITE 10
 
CHARLOTTE AMALIE 
ST.THOMAS, U.S.V.I. 00802-6722 
TEL: (340)774-0117 * FAX: (340)777-4001 
PRESS RELEASE 
June 30, 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
                            Ginny Dargan 
     
 
 
 
 
 
        Ginny.Dargan@doh.vi.gov 
 
DOH Advises the Public of the Presence of  
Omicron Subvariant BA.4 in the Territory  
 
US Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) announces that COVID-
19 samples forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine 
COVID-19 sequencing have identified the presence of the COVID-19 Omicron BA.4 subvariant 
in the Territory. Preliminary reports also indicate the presence of the BA.5 subvariant, which the 
VIDOH will confirm when conclusive data is available.  
 
Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are now the dominant strains in the United States, making 
up over 52% of infections. We might see breakthrough infections meaning that if you are 
vaccinated you may still become infected, but vaccinations continue to be the best defense against 
severe illness or death.  
 
The VIDOH continues to encourage the community to remain cautious. “Variants are expected to 
circulate while COVID remains endemic,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, “I ask 
that you continue to practice healthy behaviors and remain cautious in public spaces to prevent 
exposure and transmission. Vaccines are the most powerful preventative tool that is available to 
us. I urge the public to remain vigilant, isolate and test when feeling ill, and stay up to date with 
vaccinations by getting boosters when eligible.”    
 
If you suspect you have COVID-19, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at (340) 712-6299 or (340) 
776-1519 for information on scheduling a test. The Hotline is open Monday through Friday 
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Testing is also available on St. John every Wednesday from 12:00 
p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the VI Port Authority (VIPA) Gravel Lot.  
 
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. For more information, visit www.covid19usvi.com.  
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