The Ministry of Health and Social Development has confirmed that there is another positive imported case of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands.

Deputy Premier and Minster for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone made the announcement today and stated that this brings the total number of positive cases to three (3) in the Territory. The Honourable Minister said the third patient is a 26-year-old male with a travel history to a country where there is community spread and is currently in quarantine and has only mild symptoms. His contacts are also quarantined and are asymptomatic which means they have no symptoms. All three confirmed cases are due to pertinent travel history. There is no evidence of local transmission in the British Virgin Islands.

Honourable Malone also announced the BVI’s epidemiological summary which is as follows:

•   52 persons tested in total

•   49 tested negative

•   3 tested positive

•   143 persons self-quarantined due to risk factors

Testing, containment strategies and follow-up continues to be carried out by the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s epidemiological unit in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidance.

As of March 30, the World Health Organization has reported that the coronavirus disease COVID-19 has already affected 634,835 persons globally with 156,588 recoveries and 18,440 deaths. COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person through droplets and contaminated surfaces.

The public is reminded that there is no known vaccine and no specific antiviral treatment against the virus. Therefore, prevention is critical to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. Persons should practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce the risk of respiratory viruses by frequent hand-washing, cough and sneeze etiquette, avoiding contact with visibly sick people and staying home when feeling ill.

Persons who have recently travelled and show any symptoms such as a fever, cough and difficulty breathing should stay home and seek medical advice early by contacting the medical hotline at 852-7650.