In recent weeks, we have seen a substantial and very welcome decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections in The Bahamas.

However, several developments internationally threaten our progress, and require all of us to act with urgency to prepare for another potential surge in cases. 

In the last several weeks, there has been a very significant and sustained increase in cases in both Europe and the United States. We have seen that in our highly connected world, surges in other regions have tended to lead to a surge in our country a few weeks later. 

In addition, today the World Health Organization identified a new Variant of Concern, which they have labelled the Omicron variant. We have heard about many new variantsin the last few months, and many of them have disappeared without significant impact. However, there are several reasons to be particularly vigilant when it comes to this new variant. It has taken off in South Africa, where it was first identified, and it appears to be out-competing other variants. In less than two weeks, it has become the dominant variant in that country. 

A variant significantly more transmissible than Delta would be a very serious threat indeed. 

We will learn more in the coming days and weeks, but we cannot wait for more information to act with urgency. The most important steps that Bahamians can take to decrease their risks of contracting COVID, and reduce their risk of spreading the virus to family, friends and co-workers are as follows: 

1. Get vaccinated. Vaccination protects you from severe disease and reduces transmission in your community. It is important to highlight the fact that the preliminary data indicates an increased risk of reinfection with this variant. For Bahamians who have had COVID in the past, but have not been vaccinated, please understand: you cannot count on your prior infection providing you with sufficient immune protection. Please get vaccinated. 

 2. Avoid crowded, indoor spaces.

 3. Wear your mask correctly, fitted tightly over your mouth and nose. Wearing two masks can help, too, when you need to spend time indoors, as in the supermarket, church, or in an office. 

4. Pay attention to ventilation. Aerosol particles of the virus can hang in the air for many hours after being expelled by an infected individual. Opening windows and doors can push particles out more quickly, so that you are breathing cleaner air. We are taking the recent surges in Europe and the United States, and the news of the Omicron variant, very seriously, and will be providing regular updates about our policies and progress.

 On a final note, we are grateful to the scientists, doctors, and policymakers in South Africa; they have done an excellent job identifying and sequencing the new variant and have shared data transparently in a way that should be a model for the rest of the world.