Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone has confirmed that there is a seventh COVID-19 case in the British Virgin Islands.

Honourable Malone stated during his update that twenty-one (21) samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad for testing and confirmation. Twenty (20) of the samples resulted as negative and one confirmed as positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.

“Case number 7 is linked to a previously detected case was quarantined and had tested negative on the first protocol of testing.  It is common that in the early stages of infection the virus that causes COVID-19 could go undetected,” Honourable Malone explained. He added, “In this regard, the person was kept under quarantine for the full duration of the incubation period, and was re-tested in accordance with established protocols. This patient has exhibited only mild symptoms and will be kept in isolation.”

The BVI’s epidemiological summary as of May 5 is as follows:

• 132 total tested
• 125 negative
• 7 confirmed positive
• 3 recovered
• 3 active cases
• 1 Death
• 13 persons quarantined

“We extend our collective compassion and prayers for a full and rapid recovery of all active cases,” Honourable Malone said.

As of May 4, the World Health Organization reports 3,407,747 confirmed cases, 238,198 deaths and 1,161,677 recoveries from COVID-19. The Caribbean region reports a total of 13,693 confirmed cases, 634 deaths and 3,886 recoveries from the disease. The Ministry of Health and Social Development’s epidemiological unit continues an aggressive contact tracing strategy in accordance with World Health Organization technical guidance.

Persons who have recently travelled or who may have come in contact with a possible case or contact of a case of COVID-19 and show any symptoms such as a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, headache or recent loss of taste or smell should stay at home and seek medical advice early by contacting the medical hotline at 852-7650.