Barbados has been linked to three samples of the UK variant of the COVID-19 virus.

This followed testing of a selection of positive samples by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on behalf of the Cayman Islands government.

According to a release from that country, the three samples received just over two weeks ago, with the British variant, came from travellers from the United Kingdom and Barbados.

The Cayman Island’s, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Lee, noted that the confirmation was not  surprising, since the variant has become virulent and widespread.

He encouraged citizens dealing with travellers to remain vigilant and adhere to infection prevention and control strategies at all times.

Last week, the Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George stated that Barbados had sent samples to CARPHA on January 18, to determine whether any new strain of the COVID-19 variant was in the country.