Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says SVG is preparing for the worst as the Delta Variant of COVID-19 takes hold in the Southern Caribbean.

Gonsalves speaking on Friday, 3 September, said that health officials are checking on the country’s COVID 19 supplies and equipment to see what more would be needed.

“What are the things which are of focus for us? Ventilators, we have to see how many we have in our possession, those which are working, and we are ordering more. Oxygen. You see that problem in Jamaica”?

“IV stands, beds, wheelchairs, trolleys, sheets and suction machines. You, hear me. Drugs, including hydrocortisone and anaesthetic agents and IV fluids”.

“We are asking all the departments, all the different areas to check for body bags because you have to prepare and to make arrangements for the use of any refrigerated container”.

“PPE’s protective equipment, more and more required. The lab PCR and antigen supplies, and other supplies”.

Gonsalves says all these are among a list that the Chief Medical Officer detailed on 31 August.

Gonsalves said the worst could happen. However, the real problem of hospitalization and deaths can be avoided in a significant way if Vincentians take the vaccine and follow the protocols.

As of Tuesday, 7 September, the island had detected five cases of the MU variant.