The public is advised that the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital is the only facility authorised and recognised by the Ministry of Health and Social Development to conduct PCR testing and antigen testing in the Virgin Islands at this time.

Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Ronald Georges said, “The Hospital has undergone validation exercises over a period of several months and the testing process has been developed and reviewed in conjunction with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and Public Health England (PHE).”

Dr. Georges further stated that the hospital undergoes continuous proficiency testing through the America College of Pathologists and reference samples are also sent to CARPHA and other reference laboratories for quality control.

Samples were recently sent to CARPHA for reference testing and genetic typing last week, the results of which are expected this week. 

“The Ministry of Health continues to work with the Public Health England laboratory and virology sections to analyse data and determine any revision of algorithms required as we deal with the current outbreak,” Dr. Georges said, adding, “While a positive result may indicate presence of viral RNA or non-viable fragments, the interpretation relies on the lab values and the clinical and epidemiological information.”

Please stay healthy and safe! We will get through this together.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.