Key Points

The circulation of the COVID-19 virus is intensifying in Guadeloupe, with an incidence rate above the alert threshold and a positivity rate close to the alert threshold, while it is decreasing in Saint Martin and remaining at high levels in Saint Barthélemy. Based on RT-PCR screening results, the UK variant (20I/501Y.V1) is actively circulating in Guadeloupe, and a Brazilian or South African variant (20J/501Y.V2 or 20H/501Y.V3) has been
detected. In Saint Martin, isolated cases of the UK variant (20I/501Y.V1) have been reported since January, and low-level local transmission of this same variant has been detected in Saint Barthélemy since mid-February. Vigilance must therefore remain high in the coming weeks by maintaining individual prevention measures and contact reduction.