An additional 2,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses recently arrived in the territory from the United Kingdom government.

Acting Governor David Archer Jr. and Health and Social Development Minister Carvin Malone received the vaccines at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Aug. 31, according to Government Information Services.

To date, the VI has received 37,040 vaccine doses from the UK, which Mr. Archer said has contributed significantly to the health of the territory’s residents.

“The UK’s commitment to the VI’s overall health is evident as we continue working together to ensure that our citizens are protected from the effects of the coronavirus,” Mr. Archer said. “It is important to note that while we continue to receive assistance, we must do our part and take the vaccine so that we can continue to receive assistance.”

Mr. Malone thanked the UK for its commitment to mitigating the impact of Covid-19 here.

At a time when cases are again on the rise, he added that the territory is still facing threats from the pandemic, and he said every effort should be made to ensure that residents are vaccinated so that the VI can arrive at herd immunity.

As of Sept. 3, when government released its most recent numbers, 14,074 residents had been fully vaccinated, representing 46.9 percent of the total population.

For more information go to www.bvi.gov.vg/covid-19, email covid19vaccine@gov.vg, or call 468-2286 or 468-2287 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.